DNA testing
Choose to receive accurate and confidential results from one of the best DNA testing laboratory in the UK.
DNA testing - Paternity (or Maternity if required)
Receive 100% accurate results with the UK’s fastest and most reliable paternity DNA test from our UKAS accredited laboratory.
Our paternity test analyses up to 42 DNA markers – double the industry standard for paternity testing – to examine the child’s DNA and identify which half is inherited from the father. The test can be performed at any time on a person of any age, including newborn babies and grown-up children/adults.
For a peace of mind paternity test, cheek (buccal) swabs are used to collect cheek cell DNA from the alleged father(s) and the child.
These samples can then be analysed and compared in the laboratory to identify matching DNA markers (loci) in the DNA samples.
For children under the age of 16, consent for their DNA to be used in the test can only be provided by those who have parental responsibility for the child. Please make sure you can sign consent form on your child behalf.
DNA testing - Sibling
Our laboratory uses DNA technology to determine whether two or more individuals are full-siblings or half-siblings.
When both people have the same biological parents, they are classed as full-siblings. Half-siblings are individuals who share only one biological parent, either the mother or father.
When testing for sibling relationships, the DNA laboratory will determine the genetic profile of the possible siblings and will calculate a sibling DNA index or likelihood ratio.
Full siblings usually have more DNA in common than half-siblings, while half siblings normally share more DNA than unrelated persons.
Unlike a paternity test which will always provide a conclusive result, sibling DNA testing is different.
When a sibling test is conducted, the DNA laboratory will determine the genetic profiles of the alleged full or half-siblings.
Based on the genetic material shared by each sibling, a sibling DNA index or likelihood ratio is calculated to determine the most likely relationship.
A likelihood of greater than 10 indicates that the siblings are related, either full or half, but a likelihood of less than 0.1 does not support this.
A likelihood that falls between 0.1 and 10 is inconclusive, which means that a relationship cannot be determined, based on the data collected and analysed.
The higher the value of the sibling DNA index, the greater the likelihood that the two individuals are biological full or half-siblings. It is possible to analyse two individuals to determine that they are more likely to share two common parents versus one common parent (i.e., they are full siblings sharing a mother and father) or that it is more likely that they have one parent in common versus them being unrelated (i.e., that they are half-siblings, with a single parent in common).
Legal DNA testing
If you require your DNA test for legal requirements, choose this test option and in comments box describe what you need it for.
We have to follow strict chain of custody for this option.
This test is for member of public who require a legal DNA test for CSA purposes, for immigration purposes or for legal professional/ social worker who require DNA test for a client.
We are offering DNA sample collection service, which can visit you or your client. Alternatively, you can have your sample collected for free of charge at one of our Walk-in Centres. Our fully trained sample collectors follow strict procedures to maintain chain of custody, which is crucial during such forms of testing.
DNA testing is a powerful tool for verifying biological relationships between family members. When this is used to determine the relationship of the family members of a UK citizen, it becomes invaluable in supporting immigration cases.
Family members can come to live permanently in the UK if they are a dependent relative of someone who is already a permanent resident.
If someone is applying for British citizenship, the UK Visas and Immigration service may provide DNA testing as an additional option, if the applicant is required to submit supporting evidence of a relationship to a UK family member. This DNA test must follow a strict chain of custody to be admissible in a UK court or immigration hearing.
We are using approved DNA testing laboratory with strict chain of custody.
On the day of your appointment you will require the following: 2x Passport size & style phot
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Why is consent needed for DNA testing?If you choose to proceed with a DNA test, it is important to understand the law surrounding consent for DNA testing. It is a legal requirement in the UK that all parties taking part in a DNA test agree to the test and provide consent for their DNA samples to be analysed. It is illegal to perform a DNA test without the appropriate consent. The Human Tissue Act 2004 covering England, Wales and Northern Ireland regulates activities concerning the removal, storage, use and disposal of human tissue for several scheduled purposes such as research, transplantation, education, and training. Section 45 of the Human Tissue Act includes a section on the non-consensual analysis of DNA. It creates a new offence of DNA ‘theft’: ‘It is unlawful to have human tissue with the intention of its DNA being analysed, without the consent of the person from whom the tissue came.’ In Scotland, the Human Tissue (Scotland) Act 2006 deals with the uses of human tissue and, similarly, includes the non-consensual analysis of DNA. The offence of DNA theft therefore applies UK-wide. Penalties for failing to obtain the correct consent, or misusing consent, include up to three years imprisonment, a fine or both. When DNA testing children under 16 years of age, consent must be provided on their behalf by a parent or guardian with parental responsibility for the child. In the UK, the mother of the child has parental responsibility automatically. The father has parental responsibility and can provide consent if he is either: Married to the child’s mother Listed on the birth certificate (after a certain date, depending on which part of the UK the child was born in) If the DNA test requires that a DNA sample be collected from a deceased individual (e.g. for inheritance disputes), a person in a ‘qualifying relationship’ to the deceased before their death must provide consent for the deceased’s sample to be tested.
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What consent do I need for a DNA test?Below is an overview of the requirements for consent, depending on who is taking part in the DNA test. Any person aged 18 or over – must provide their own consent for their DNA samples to be used in testing For children under the age of 18 – parental consent can be provided by a parent or guardian with parental responsibility for the child. However, children aged 16-17 can also provide their own consent, provided they are competent to do so. When testing DNA of deceased individuals – consent must be provided by a person with a qualifying relationship to the deceased
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Can I do a DNA test without someone knowing?Under UK law, an adult submitting a DNA sample for the purpose of testing must provide their own consent for their DNA sample to be analysed. This applies for both peace of mind at-home DNA tests and DNA tests for official matters. Exceptions are: * When testing a child under 18 years of age – in these circumstances, a parent or guardian with parental responsibility for the child can provide consent on the child’s behalf * When testing the DNA sample of a deceased person – in this instance the person in question cannot give their consent. This means that a person with a qualifying relationship to the deceased must provide consent on their behalf, for the DNA samples to be collected and analysed It is illegal to perform a DNA test without the appropriate consent. * As a parent or guardian with parental responsibility, you may decide not to discuss the DNA testing process with a child under 16 years of age (for whom you can provide consent). In situations involving older children who are able to understand the ramifications of a DNA test, we would always advise that it is better to have an open and honest conversation about your reasons for wanting the test before proceeding.
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Can I refuse a DNA test?Yes, you can refuse to take part in a DNA test if you do not want to provide your DNA sample for any reason. However, you should be aware that if you are refusing a DNA test for legal reasons, such as during a child maintenance or custody dispute, the court may still decide to order a DNA test. In these circumstances you could still refuse to participate in the test, but the court would be forced to reach a decision either way without this DNA evidence. If you are a parent/guardian who is refusing to grant permission for your child’s DNA to be tested for legal matters, the court may override your refusal if it considers that it is in the child’s best interest for the sample to be taken (e.g. during custody disputes).
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