PaternitySafe

Yes. Paternity can be assessed by examining DNA fragments present in the mother's blood during pregnancy, which originate mainly from the placenta. There is no need to wait until the baby is born for PaternitySafe®.

PaternitySafe® can be performed from the 10th week of pregnancy. It is important to assess gestational age and the number of babies by ultrasound before sample collection.

A blood sample is collected from the mother, and a swab sample is taken from the inside of the alleged father's cheek. DNA analysis is performed in the laboratory to compare genetic characteristics and assess the paternity relationship.

PaternitySafe® does not involve any intervention in the uterus or gestational sac. As only a blood sample from the mother's arm is required, it does not carry the risk of miscarriage associated with amniocentesis or chorionic villus sampling.

No. In standard practice, the alleged father's DNA is obtained from a cheek swab sample. Cells are collected from the inside of the cheek using a special swab.

Yes, samples can be collected from additional alleged fathers for comparison. Sample collection, consent documents, fees and the reporting process should be planned with the laboratory before applying.

Yes. If the alleged fathers are related, this must be disclosed before testing. In particular, if the alleged fathers are identical twins, PaternitySafe® cannot be used to distinguish between them.

Sensitivity and specificity are reported to be above 99%, and the probability of paternity is reported to be above 99.9% in results that support paternity. These values represent different measures; they do not mean that the test is error-free or that a result will be obtained from every sample.

It means that a genetic match has been found that very strongly supports the tested alleged father being the biological father. The result is interpreted together with the statistical assessment stated in the report and the limitations of the test.

It means that the genetic characteristics examined are not consistent with a paternity relationship and that the tested individual is excluded as the biological father. This result does not establish that another person who has not provided a sample is the father.

Yes. The result may remain inconclusive because of an insufficient amount of pregnancy-derived DNA or problems with the sample. Another blood sample may be requested at a later stage of pregnancy. Failure to obtain a result does not mean that paternity has been excluded.

It can be performed in some identical twin pregnancies; however, not every twin pregnancy is suitable. The characteristics of the twin pregnancy and the ultrasound findings must be assessed by the analysing laboratory before the test is accepted.

Yes. DNA from a twin that has stopped developing may be present in the mother's blood and may affect the assessment. An initially multiple pregnancy or a history of a vanishing twin must be disclosed.

Suitability is assessed according to the reproductive method used. In pregnancies involving egg donation, a sample from the donor may be required. This information should be shared with the laboratory before testing.

Results are ready within 15 working days. Sample shipment, repeat sample collection or additional assessments may extend this timeframe. The current estimated turnaround time is provided when you apply.

Testing is performed at Genoma laboratories in Italy. Appointments and sample collection can be arranged through Wellcare Laboratories.

It enables paternity assessment during pregnancy without an invasive procedure. Only a blood sample from the mother and a cheek swab from the alleged father are required. DNA profiles are compared using Next-Generation Sequencing (NGS) and bioinformatic analysis.

Eurofins Genoma describes the PaternitySafe® service as a test for informational purposes. Therefore, the standard test should not be assumed to be sufficient for legal proceedings. If legal use is being considered, the acceptance requirements of the relevant authority and the required sample collection procedure should be clarified before testing.

Information and consent documents are completed as part of the application. Consent from those providing samples, identity verification and who will receive the results should be clarified before applying.

For information and applications, you can contact the Wellcare Laboratories branches at Wellcare Health Clinic and Miracle Hospital in Nicosia, or the branch at Medicalport Tunççevik Hospital in Kyrenia. Test suitability and the appointment process are assessed before you provide a sample.