Paternity test during pregnancy (prenatal)
Using DNA analysis, the paternity test can be carried out before the birth of the baby. In this case, fetal cells obtained by two distinct procedures can be utilized: chorionic villus sampling (PVC or villocentesis) and the amniotic fluid harvesting of cells (amniocentesis). PVC is normally done around the 10th to 13th week of gestation and involves the harvesting of placental cells. Also necessary is a blood or an oral tampon taken from the mother and presumed father. Amniocentesis is generally done between the 15th and 24th week of pregnancy. It involves the harvesting of fetal cells from the amniotic liquid. Necessary too is a blood sample or an oral tampon taken from the mother and presumed father.

Paternity test after birth (postnatal)
The paternity test after the birth of the baby is done by drawing a peripheral blood. Only a very small amount of blood is necessary (a few drops), in order to permit analysis. An alternative to blood sampling is cells taken from within the mouth that are harvested with a cotton swab, defined as an "oral swab". This procedure can be done by any adult. Even if there is no maternal biological sample from the mother, the paternity test can be carried out with only a blood sample or oral tampon from the presumed father.