Sometimes much awaited, sometimes a surprise − but in either case, pregnancy is among the most magical phases in a woman’s life. It doesn’t just render the joy of becoming a parent but completely transforms the life – from being a woman to a mother, a caretaker, and a strong support. But sometimes, things don’t go out the way one expects, so you must be prepared even for the unexpected during pregnancy. Furthermore, in the midst of this blissful moment, dealing with something as horrible as “Child Swapping” can be frightening. Most of the time, the suspects are the families and/or hospital staff. Hospitals/maternity centers try their best to stop such incidences, but, somehow, these inhumane acts are still ongoing. However, the good news is that a DNA Test for Baby Swap can help accurately identify the couple’s biological child to help reunite with the baby.
How does a DNA Test Help in Baby Swaps in Hospitals?
A child receives half of its DNA from each parent. Based on this foundation, child swap DNA testing is conducted. This test uses the STR Profiling method. Due to this test, determining a newborn’s biological parents has become much easier now.
Methodology
Both the baby’s and the mother’s DNA samples are collected separately. Following the sampling, the DNAs are analyzed separately using the STR profiling method.
STR Profiling
The long-chain DNA molecule has 3 billion bp arranged in a specific order. These DNA molecules/strands are analyzed in smaller fragments in the lab using special reagents & techniques for ease of study. These smaller fragments are called Short Tandem Repeats (STRs). The STRs are then amplified through Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) into multiple copies.
Finally, capillary electrophoresis yields a DNA profile for each sample. The two DNA profiles are then compared to check for any resemblance. If it’s a 99.99% inclusion, the baby is the biological child, and if there is a 0% inclusion, it means the child is not the biological child.
A DNA test is a foolproof method of identifying an individual and proving a biological relationship between two or more individuals. A DNA test for Baby Swap in Hospitals can now relieve your worries and give you peace of mind.
How to Prevent Babies from Being Swapped at Birth?
In the midst of growing your family, it is quite normal to be concerned about the safety of your newborn.
Hospitals have taken several measures to prevent incidents. For example, most hospitals provide matching bracelets for the newborn, the mother, and a partner supporting the mother. While some facilities use fingerprints to confirm a child’s identity. Furthermore, maternity wards and other units with babies are usually locked and can only be accessed by staff members.
It is absolutely fine to ask in advance what steps your hospital will take to safeguard your child. Your proactive measures can prevent an accidental baby swap after birth. For example, you can:
- Keep your baby close as much as possible
- Dress your newborn in distinctive clothing to identify them at first glance
- Ask your respective nurse to confirm that they have checked that the ID bracelets match
- Birth marks
- Find out if the hospital has an on-site NICU or nursery if the baby is premature
Real-Life Baby Swap Incidences
Barpeta, Assam, India
A DNA test has turned the life of 2 families in Assam. The registrar switched a 3-year-old boy at birth due to negligence on his part. The event occurred in Farkaruddin Ali Ahmed Medical College in Barpeta, where two couples gave birth to babies, and one died. The hospital handed over the dead baby to the wrong couple, raising issues as their baby was healthy. Later, they got their baby back through a DNA test for child swap.
Despite the systems set in place, mistakes do happen. For example, newborn wrists and ankles are tiny, and the bands can slip off or be removed more easily than one may think. In addition, staff members may get lax [negligent] & not follow proper protocols, or parents may be too exhausted to notice a change has occurred.
Why DNA Forensics Laboratory for DNA Tests for Baby Swap in Hospitals?
DNA Forensics Laboratory Pvt. Ltd. is among the leading companies to provide accurate & reliable DNA tests for baby swaps in hospitals at reasonable prices. Moreover, their testing facility is accredited by the National Accreditation Board for Testing and Calibration Laboratories (NABL), making the test results highly reliable.
Other key factors that make them desirable for the Child Swap DNA Test are:
- The only company to provide Legal DNA Tests in India
- 400+ collection centers across India & in other countries
- Highly qualified and experienced team of professionals
- Multiple options for sample collection
- Home DNA Test Kit available online
- Fastest turnaround time within 4-5 business days
- Express & Same Day reporting options*
To learn more or book a DNA Test for Baby Swap in Hospitals, talk to our customer support executives at +91 8010177771 or WhatsApp at +91 9266615552.
