Summary of this article
DNA prenatal paternity testing (NIPPT) is a revolutionary technology for identifying the father of a fetus. It replaces traditional invasive methods and allows for accurate confirmation of parent-child relationships with minimal risk to the mother and fetus. However, in addition to DNA prenatal paternity testing, various other prenatal tests exist, each with different features and advantages. This article compares the DNA prenatal paternity test with other major prenatal tests and details the advantages and disadvantages of each.
What is DNA prenatal paternity test?
DNA prenatal paternity testing is a technique to identify the father by analyzing fetal DNA fragments present in the mother’s blood.Unlike traditional invasive methods, DNA prenatal testing is extremely safe, with no risk of miscarriage or infection, as the test is performed by simply drawing blood from the mother.The test, which can be performed after the sixth week of pregnancy, has a high accuracy rate of over 99% and is considered a reliable method for confirming paternity.
Other major prenatal tests
There are many different types of prenatal testing, and there are several commonly used testing methods in addition to DNA prenatal paternity testing. Each testing method has its own advantages and disadvantages, and is selected according to the purpose and circumstances. The following is a list of typical inspection methods.
1. Amniocentesis
Amniotic fluid testing is performed to diagnose chromosomal abnormalities and genetic disorders of the fetus. A needle is inserted into the mother’s abdomen to collect amniotic fluid, which is then analyzed for fetal cells. Compared to DNA prenatal paternity testing, amniotic fluid testing is very accurate and suitable for diagnosing various diseases of the fetus, but the risk of miscarriage, which is about 0.1% to 0.3%, is considered a disadvantage.
Advantages
- High diagnostic accuracy (>99%)
- Capable of diagnosing a wide range of chromosomal abnormalities and hereditary diseases
- Provides definitive results
demerit
- Involves risk of miscarriage and infection
- Limited timing of the test, as it must be performed between 15 and 20 weeks of pregnancy
- May cause pain and discomfort
2. Chorionic Test（Chorionic Villus Sampling: CVS）
The chorionic villus test is a test to examine the genetic information of the fetus by taking a sample of the chorionic villi, a part of the placenta. This test can be performed during the 10th to 13th week of pregnancy and can diagnose chromosomal abnormalities in the fetus at an early stage. However, as with the amniotic fluid test, it carries the risk of miscarriage.
Advantages
- Tests can be performed early in pregnancy (10-13 weeks)
- High diagnostic accuracy (98-99%)
- Definitive results
demerit
- Associated risk of miscarriage or infection (about 0.5%)
- Tests can be painful
- May take time to get results
3. Maternal serum marker test（Maternal Serum Screening）
The maternal serum marker test is a screening test that measures certain substances in the mother’s blood and estimates whether the fetus has chromosomal abnormalities.This test is primarily used to assess the risk of Down syndrome and neural tube defects.Maternal serum marker testing is noninvasive and safe, but it is not a definitive diagnosis, but rather a test to determine whether an abnormality is more or less likely.
Advantages
- Non-invasive and safe
- Can be performed in early to mid pregnancy (10-14 weeks)
- Relatively inexpensive
Demerit
- Low diagnostic accuracy and possibility of false positive or false negative results
- Not a definitive diagnosis, but only a risk assessment
- High-risk cases require additional definitive testing (e.g., amniotic fluid testing)
4. Ultrasound Examination（Ultrasound)
Ultrasound examinations are performed to check for fetal development and abnormalities.Regular ultrasound examinations, performed several times during pregnancy, help to visually confirm fetal morphology and developmental abnormalities, but are limited in their ability to diagnose chromosomal abnormalities and hereditary diseases.
Advantages
- Non-invasive and safe
- Visual confirmation of fetal development and abnormalities
- Can be repeated from early pregnancy to just before delivery
Demerit
- Diagnosis of chromosomal abnormalities and hereditary diseases is limited
- Visual confirmation only, not detailed genetic information
DNA Prenatal Paternity Test vs. Other Prenatal Tests
Among these prenatal tests, DNA prenatal paternity testing is very uniquely positioned.First, DNA prenatal paternity testing has a different purpose than other tests because it is specific to identifying the father, but its non-invasiveness and high accuracy make it a very attractive option for many pregnant women.Below is a comparison of DNA prenatal paternity testing with other major prenatal tests on several points.
1. Safety
DNA prenatal paternity testing requires only a blood sample from the mother and carries no risk of miscarriage or infection. In contrast, amniotic fluid and chorionic villus tests are invasive and carry a small amount of risk. Noninvasive maternal serum marker testing and ultrasonography are also safe but have limitations in diagnostic accuracy and the information they can provide.
2. diagnostic accuracy
The accuracy of the DNA prenatal paternity test is more than 99%, making it a very reliable test for identifying paternity. In contrast, amniotic fluid and chorionic villus tests have similarly high diagnostic accuracy, but they are primarily used to diagnose fetal chromosomal abnormalities and genetic disorders. The diagnostic accuracy of maternal serum marker tests is relatively low and is limited to risk assessment.
3. Timing of Inspection
DNA prenatal paternity testing can be performed after the sixth week of pregnancy and can be performed relatively early. Chorionic villus examination can also be performed early in pregnancy, allowing for early diagnosis, while amniotic fluid testing must be performed between the 15th and 20th week of pregnancy. Maternal serum marker tests and ultrasound examinations can be performed from early to mid-pregnancy, allowing flexibility in the timing of testing.
4. Purpose of Inspection
DNA prenatal paternity testing is used to identify the father of the fetus and has a different purpose than other tests. Amniotic fluid and chorionic villus tests are used to diagnose fetal chromosomal abnormalities and hereditary diseases, while maternal serum marker tests are primarily screening tests for risk assessment. Ultrasonography is primarily used to confirm fetal developmental status and morphological abnormalities.
Summary
DNA prenatal paternity testing is an attractive option for many pregnant women as a non-invasive and highly accurate paternity testing method. Compared to other prenatal tests, DNA prenatal testing is very safe and accurate, and is particularly suited to those who wish to identify the father in the early stages of pregnancy. However, DNA prenatal testing is only intended to identify the father, and other testing methods should be considered in conjunction to confirm the health of the fetus and chromosomal abnormalities.
Prenatal testing plays an important role in helping families plan for a secure future, and it is important to understand the characteristics of the various tests, including DNA prenatal paternity testing, and to select the best testing method in consultation with a trusted medical professional. Making the most of the information each test provides and receiving the support you need to have a healthy pregnancy can lead to peace of mind for the entire family.
Hiro Clinic’s DNA Prenatal Paternity Testing
Hiro Clinic’s DNA Prenatal Paternity Testing (NIPPT) is available at the industry’s lowest price at Hiro Clinic’s directly managed locations nationwide. Testing can be done from the 6th week of pregnancy onward, and the process is completed in a single visit, minimizing inconvenience. If a retest is necessary, it will be conducted free of charge, so you can rest assured. Additionally, tests are conducted at the Tokyo Sanitary Laboratory, which has over 50,000 cases of prenatal testing experience, ensuring reliable results. However, both partners are required to visit the clinic to ensure the most accurate test results. For more information, please check here and make your reservation or inquiry.
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Supervisor of the article
Dr. Hiroshi Oka
Graduated from Keio University, Faculty of Medicine
Doctor of Medicine
Medical Doctor
