A prenatal paternity test in Mesa, AZ is a non-invasive DNA test that confirms who the father is during pregnancy, using a blood draw from the mother and a cheek swab from the possible father.
HOW IT WORKS
WALK-IN
Mother's Blood Draw + Father's Cheek Swab
Results in 3 to 7 Business Days
What Is a Prenatal Paternity Test?
A prenatal paternity test is a DNA test done while pregnant to find out who the baby's father is, before the baby is born.
The most common type is the non-invasive prenatal paternity test (NIPP): a simple blood draw from the mother and a cheek swab from the possible father. There are no needles near the baby and no risk to the pregnancy, so it can be done as early as 7 weeks.
It works because, during pregnancy, small pieces of the baby's DNA cross into the mother's bloodstream. The lab separates the baby's DNA from the mother's, then compares it to the possible father's DNA across thousands of genetic markers. Older prenatal tests like amniocentesis or CVS used a needle to collect samples from the womb and carried a small risk of miscarriage. The non-invasive test replaced them for paternity, which is why it's now the standard.
Why Is a Prenatal Paternity Test So Expensive?
A regular paternity test after birth is simple: the lab compares cheek swabs from the baby and the possible father, looking at about 16 to 24 genetic markers. A prenatal test is much harder. Before birth, the baby's DNA is only available as tiny fragments floating in the mother's bloodstream, mixed in with far more of her own DNA. The lab has to find and separate the baby's DNA before it can compare anything.
To do that, the lab uses advanced DNA sequencing that checks thousands of genetic markers (over 2,600) instead of a couple dozen. That takes specialized equipment, accredited lab staff, and careful handling from start to finish:
Two full vials of the mother's blood, collected by a trained phlebotomist
Fast courier shipping, since the sample has to reach the lab within days
AABB-accredited processing and strict quality checks
No insurance coverage, so the full cost is out of pocket
How Accurate Is a Prenatal Paternity Test?
Over 99% when he's the father, and 0% when he's not, the same standard as a test after birth.
The lab compares thousands of genetic markers from the baby's DNA to the possible father's.
When the test can't be done (or needs extra steps):
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Twins or multiples
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IVF, egg donor, or surrogate pregnancies
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Possible fathers who are related (like brothers), unless both are tested
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A recent blood transfusion: wait at least one week before the draw
Why Mesa Chooses Quick Test Health Services®
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Walk-in lab in Mesa, same-day testing, no appointment needed
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Blood draw included, no hidden fees
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From 7 weeks of pregnancy
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Results in 3 to 7 business days
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Mobile collection available
Where to Get Walk-In Prenatal Paternity Testing in Mesa
Right here at Quick Test, on East University Drive at Power Road in East Mesa.
Walk in or book online, and the collection takes just a few minutes. Receive your test results in 3-7 business days
Serving: Mesa · Gilbert · Queen Creek · Apache Junction · San Tan Valley · Chandler · Tempe
Common Questions
How much is a prenatal paternity test? $1,500, with the mother's blood draw included. Many labs charge $30 to $100 extra for the blood draw. Insurance doesn't cover prenatal paternity testing. Optional add-ons include the baby's gender, an additional possible father, or express results.
Does the father have to come in? Yes, the possible father gives a quick cheek swab. If he can't come with the mother, he can be swabbed at a separate visit or by mobile collection.
How early can you do a paternity test while pregnant? From 7 weeks of pregnancy. Testing a little later can help if early samples don't have enough of the baby's DNA.
Can the test tell me the baby's gender? Yes, as an optional add-on. Ask at check-in.