You can get a prenatal DNA test through your OB-GYN’s office, a maternal-fetal medicine specialist, or a private DNA testing laboratory, depending on what type of test you need. The answer hinges on whether you’re looking for genetic screening (to check your baby’s chromosomes for conditions like Down syndrome) or a paternity test (to confirm biological parentage before the baby is born). Each type of test is available at different locations and has different timing requirements.
Genetic Screening Through Your OB-GYN
The most common prenatal DNA test is called non-invasive prenatal testing, or NIPT. It’s a simple blood draw from your arm. During pregnancy, fragments of your baby’s DNA circulate in your bloodstream, and the lab analyzes that DNA to screen for chromosome conditions such as Down syndrome, trisomy 18, and trisomy 13. It can also reveal your baby’s sex.
Your OB-GYN or midwife can order NIPT starting around 10 weeks of pregnancy. Before that point, there isn’t enough fetal DNA in your blood to get reliable results. The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists recommends that NIPT be offered to all pregnant women regardless of age or risk level, so you don’t need to meet special criteria to ask for it. In practice, roughly 25% to 50% of pregnant women in the U.S. use NIPT.
Your provider sends the blood sample to a laboratory that specializes in prenatal genetics. Major labs like Natera, Labcorp, and others process these tests. You don’t need to visit the lab yourself. The blood draw happens at your regular prenatal appointment or at any affiliated blood draw site, and results typically come back within one to two weeks.
Diagnostic Testing at Specialist Clinics
NIPT is a screening test, not a definitive diagnosis. If your NIPT results come back high-risk, or if you have other reasons to want a confirmed answer, you’ll be referred for diagnostic testing. These are more invasive procedures performed by maternal-fetal medicine (MFM) physicians, doctors who specialize in high-risk pregnancies.
There are two options:
- Chorionic villus sampling (CVS) can be done between weeks 10 and 13. A doctor collects a small tissue sample from the placenta, which contains the same genetic material as your baby.
- Amniocentesis is typically performed between weeks 15 and 20. The doctor uses a thin needle guided by ultrasound to withdraw a small amount of amniotic fluid, which contains fetal cells for testing.
These procedures are performed at hospitals and perinatology clinics staffed by MFM specialists. Your OB-GYN will provide a referral. Most major medical centers and university hospitals have MFM departments that perform CVS and amniocentesis routinely. If you’re in a rural area, you may need to travel to a larger city for the procedure.
Prenatal Paternity Testing
If you’re looking to establish paternity before your baby is born, the process is different. Non-invasive prenatal paternity testing (NIPP) also uses a blood sample from the mother, but it compares the fetal DNA in your blood against a DNA sample from the potential father, usually collected with a cheek swab.
This type of test is offered by private DNA testing laboratories rather than your OB-GYN’s office. DNA Diagnostics Center (DDC) is one of the largest providers in the U.S., with collection sites in cities including Chicago, Philadelphia, Los Angeles, Baltimore, Minneapolis, and New Jersey. Other accredited labs like Endeavor DNA Laboratories, DNA Solutions, Labcorp, and Gene By Gene also offer prenatal paternity services. You can typically find a collection site near you through the lab’s website.
Prenatal paternity tests are generally available starting around 7 to 8 weeks of pregnancy, though accuracy improves after 10 weeks when fetal DNA levels are higher. You do not need a doctor’s order for most private paternity tests.
Legal Tests vs. Informational Tests
If you need paternity results for a legal matter like child support, custody, or immigration, you’ll need what’s called a “legal” or “chain of custody” test. This means the DNA samples must be collected at an approved facility by a trained collector who verifies everyone’s identity and documents the process. The samples are tracked from collection to lab to prevent tampering.
If you just want the answer for personal reasons, an “informational” or “peace of mind” test works the same way scientifically but doesn’t require the formal chain of custody process. Some labs allow you to collect the potential father’s cheek swab at home and mail it in alongside your in-office blood draw.
For legal testing, look for a lab accredited by the AABB (formerly the American Association of Blood Banks). The AABB maintains a public directory of accredited relationship testing facilities across the country, which you can search on their website.
What These Tests Cost
Cost varies significantly by test type. NIPT for genetic screening typically runs between $200 and $600 out of pocket, though many insurance plans cover it when your doctor recommends it. Insurance coverage is more likely if you’re over 35, have a family history of genetic conditions, or received concerning results on an earlier screening. If your plan doesn’t cover it or you’d rather not use insurance, some labs offer self-pay pricing or payment plans.
CVS and amniocentesis are more expensive procedures, often ranging from $1,000 to $3,000 or more before insurance. Because these are diagnostic tests ordered by a specialist for a medical indication, insurance coverage is common.
Prenatal paternity testing is almost never covered by insurance since it’s not considered medically necessary. Expect to pay between $1,500 and $2,500 for a non-invasive prenatal paternity test through a private lab. Legal tests cost more than informational ones because of the additional documentation and chain of custody requirements.
How to Get Started
For genetic screening or diagnostic testing, your first step is your prenatal care provider. Mention that you’re interested in NIPT at your next appointment, and they can order it on the spot. If you need CVS or amniocentesis, ask for a referral to a maternal-fetal medicine specialist. Many providers also offer genetic counseling before and after testing to help you understand what the results mean.
For paternity testing, contact a private DNA lab directly. Search the AABB’s accredited facility list to find a reputable lab near you, or visit the websites of major providers like DDC or Labcorp to locate a collection site in your area. Most labs have customer service lines that can walk you through the process, explain what samples they’ll need from you and the potential father, and schedule your appointment.