PRENATAL PATERNITY TESTING WITH DEOXYRIBONUCLEIC-ACID TECHNIQUES

OBJECTIVES: Our purpose was to determine the feasibility and optimal t echniques for prenatal paternity testing. STUDY DESIGN: Since January 1989 we have offered prenatal paternity testing by deoxyribonucleic ac id testing. We analyzed the ability to complete the testing and the ti me required to complete the testing and developed polymerase chain rea ction-based tests to speed test results. RESULTS: Before April 1990 on ly five of nine cases could be completed. Since that time 28 consecuti ve cases were successfully completed before delivery. Introduction of polymerase chain reaction-based testing has allowed us to perform test ing on uncultured chorionic villi and to derive results within 3 weeks . CONCLUSION: Analysis of uncultured chorionic villi allows prenatal p aternity testing to be completed within the first trimester of pregnan cy. Prenatal paternity testing can also be performed on cultured amnio cytes and chorionic villi.