Getting a prenatal paternity test may seem like a complex task, but with the right information, the process can be simplified. To order a prenatal paternity test, you need two key elements:
a healthcare professional to perform the blood draw,
an address for delivery of the necessary materials.
It is essential to note that most laboratories do not perform the tests on site. The process is entirely remote. Therefore, you will need a doctor, nurse, or local laboratory to help you take the blood sample.
How to find a healthcare professional for the blood draw?
The first step is to find a health professional who can perform the blood draw. You can make a request at a blood draw center near you, or in the surrounding area.
If this is not possible, any health professional can help you: doctor, nurse, or a family member.
It is important to note that the blood draw is not refundable and the genetic analysis laboratory will not provide you with a prescription. It is then important to specify this or depending on the feeling you have with your interlocutor.
Instructions for blood draw - Acellular DNA BCTCE
You will receive from the laboratory BCTCE genetic sampling tubes.
The Acellular DNA BCTCE is a blood sampling tube intended for the collection, stabilization, and transport of acellular plasma DNA. In addition, this device stabilizes and preserves the vascular genomic DNA present in nucleated blood cells and circulating epithelial cells (tumor cells) found in the blood.
The formaldehyde-free preservation reagent contained in the BCT CE tubes stabilizes nucleated blood cells, thus preventing the release of cellular genomic DNA, and inhibits degradation, under the effect of nucleases, thus contributing to the overall stabilization of acellular DNA.
The Acellular DNA BCT CE contains the anticoagulant K-EDTA and a cell preservation agent in a liquid medium.
PRECAUTIONS
For in vitro diagnostic use.
Do not freeze samples collected in Acellular DNA BCT CE as this may cause breakage.
Do not use tubes after the expiration date.
Do not use tubes for the collection of products to be injected into patients.
This product must be used as is. Do not dilute or add other components to the Acellular DNA BCT CE.
Overfilling or underfilling the tubes will result in an incorrect blood/additive ratio and may distort analysis results and product performance.
Remove the cap by gently tilting it from side to side or by grasping it before pulling and turning at the same time. Removal of the cap by rolling the thumb is discouraged as it may cause breakage of the tube and injury. Reinsert the cap by gently pushing the cap onto the tube while turning.
All biological samples and material coming into contact with them are considered a biological hazard and should be treated as if they were capable of transmitting an infection. Avoid all contact with skin and mucous membranes.
The product must be disposed of with infectious medical waste.
Technical sheets can be viewed on the homepage of www.streck.com
STORAGE AND STABILITY
Do not freeze empty Acellular DNA BCT CE tubes. Adequate insulation may be required when shipping at extreme temperatures.
Samples collected in Acellular DNA BCT CE are stable for a period of up to 14 days at temperatures ranging from 6 to 37 °C, facilitating the collection, transport, and storage of samples.
HOW TO USE
Collect the sample by venous puncture according to CLSI H3-A68.
Prevention of reflux - Given that Acellular BT CE DNA contains chemical additives, it is important to avoid the risk of reflux from the tube.
For this, take the following precautions:
Keep the patient's arm in a lowered position during the sampling procedure.
Hold the tube with the cap on top so that the contents of the tube do not touch the cap or the end of the needle during the sampling procedure.
Loosen the tourniquet once the blood starts to flow into the tube, or within 2 minutes of application.
Follow the order of draw recommendations described in CLSI H3-A66.
Fill the tube to the top.
Remove the tube from the adapter and mix immediately by gently inverting 8 to 10 times. Inadequate or delayed mixing may distort the results of the analysis. An inversion is a full wrist turn of 180 degrees and back as per the figure below:
After sampling, store and transport the tubes in the recommended temperature range.
Perform the extraction in accordance with the instructions of the instrument manufacturer. For optimal results, please follow the instructions for the extraction of acellular plasma DNA and cellular genomic DNA.
Samples for the prenatal paternity test
Saliva samples from the father can be collected in advance and have a lifespan of 90 days between the time of collection and the start of analysis. Please note, no other type of sample can be used. The laboratory will not accept non-standard samples such as hair, nails, or a blood stain.
Depending on your organization, if necessary, please note that you can anticipate the arrival of the kit and take your saliva samples from the father. You can do this by purchasing oral swabs from a pharmacy or using cotton swabs to take your samples in advance.
You will only have to replace those already carried out in the return kit in place of those sent by the laboratory. If you follow all the sampling instructions and the size of the cotton swabs is similar, this will not pose any problem.
Please note, do not send a blood sample for the father. Because this will be automatically rejected by the laboratory.
How to receive the material for the test?
The second hurdle to overcome is obtaining the necessary material for the test. The laboratory cannot deliver kits to certain countries.
You then have two options:
either register a foreign address when you order online,
or pick up the kit on site directly from the laboratory, always after your online order.
How to send back your samples?
Once the blood draw has been done and the material received, the next step is to send back your samples. However, you cannot send back your samples directly, you must request the analysis laboratory to organize the pickup of your samples. If necessary, you must thus organize everything from a foreign country.
The laboratories use carriers like DHL, FEDEX, or UPS for the return of the samples. This service is often included in your purchase. You can either ask the laboratory or doctor who did your blood draw if it is possible to leave your samples at the reception for the carrier to come and pick them up. Or you can drop off your samples at a relay point of the corresponding service. In both cases, you should notify the laboratory quickly 24 h-48 h before the blood draw of the pickup date and address.
Blood samples have a lifespan of 14 days maximum, so it is important to send them on the same day as the blood draw. But if you are unable to do so, as during weekends, it will still be possible to wait until Monday to send them. It is important that the tests start before the expiration date of the samples.