Legal DNA Testing

For over 20 years we have remained at the forefront of innovation, investing in state-of-the-art technology for our UK-based, UKAS 17025-accredited laboratory, allowing us to deliver accurate and reliable DNA results faster than anyone else.

• We set the standard for DNA testing on a global scale.

  The first testing laboratory to offer next-day DNA results as standard. For urgent matters, same-day DNA results are also available, offering unparalleled flexibility in meeting court deadlines.

• AlphaBiolabs is the first and only UK laboratory to analyse up to 153 DNA markers for DNA relationship tests.

  Our DNA testing was already industry-leading, analysing up to 45 DNA markers. However, we can now extend this analysis up to 153 DNA markers.

  DNA markers (loci) – specific regions of DNA that vary between individuals – are used to compare genetic material and confirm biological relationships. Analysing more DNA markers enhances the conclusivity of these comparisons, for an even more robust result.

  This is particularly beneficial when performing complex relationship DNA tests such as sibling, aunt/uncle (avuncular), grandparent, and extended family tests (including cousins).

  This is because the chance of obtaining a conclusive result for complex relationships will always be lower than the more straightforward paternity or maternity tests, as the DNA has not been directly inherited.

  By analysing up to 153 DNA markers, AlphaBiolabs offers an unprecedented level of precision for court-admissible DNA tests.

• We were the first UK laboratory to achieve UKAS 17025 accreditation for prenatal paternity testing
• We’re Ministry of Justice approvedto perform parentage testing.
• We provide DNA testing for all family relationships, with all testing performed at our UK laboratory – so samples are never sent abroad, maintaining sample integrity.
• We deliver concise, easy-to-understand Expert Reportsthat sit within the framework of Family Law, following Part 25 of the Family Procedure Rules (2010). Our results are accepted by Family Courts, Ministry of Justice, and the Home Office.
• We’re UKAS 9001 accredited for our Quality Management System.
• We employ highly-skilled in-house geneticists with decades of collective experience, and UK-based Reporting Scientists who are Bond Solon trained; many of whom have attended Family Court and Crown Court as expert witnesses.

A defining feature of legally admissible DNA testing is the implementation of strict chain of custody procedures, ensuring the authenticity and reliability of the DNA samples for legal purposes.

For an AlphaBiolabs legal DNA test:

• DNA samples must be collected by one of our professional Sample Collectors. We operate a nationwide network of trained Sample Collectors and can collect samples from any UK location convenient to the Sample Donor.

• We also offer FREEsample collections for legally-instructed DNA tests from our network of walk-in centres across the UK and Ireland (for legal professionals, social workers and local authorities).

• Test participants are required to provide a form of identification – preferably photographic.

• Photographs are taken of each test participant, to provide proof that the correct donors have been tested.

• Samples are securely sealed in front of the Sample Donor, using tamper-evident seal, to maintain sample integrity.

• Electronic consent forms are used to document Sample Donor details, and act as a record of the Sample Collection process.

• Samples are returned to our UKAS ISO 17025-accredited laboratory via fast-tracked, secure courier, and tracked from sample collection, through to analysis at the laboratory.

The meticulous nature of legal DNA testing ensures that the results meet the evidentiary standards required by courts and other official bodies.

Expert Reports are also prepared in compliance with legal guidelines, providing clear, unbiased scientific fact that can withstand scrutiny in court.

The mother’s sample is not required for an AlphaBiolabs court-admissible paternity test.

However, we do require blood and cheek swab samples from the mother to perform a non-invasive prenatal paternity test.

If a donor refuses, a court can order DNA testing as part of ongoing proceedings. In some cases, an unexplained refusal may also result in adverse inferences being drawn by the judge.

Complex relationship tests include siblings, grandparents, aunts, uncles, and cousins.

These tests are especially useful if the potential father or mother is unavailable or unwilling to participate in paternity/maternity testing, or if they have passed away.

There are several options for complex relationship tests to suit a range of needs, including:

• Grandparent testing 
  Enables us to verify a relationship between a grandparent and a grandchild. Every person inherits half of their DNA from each of their parents, meaning that a grandchild will also share DNA markers with their grandparents. Of all the complex relationship tests, grandparent testing offers the highest chance of a conclusive result when both grandparents are tested.
• Sibling testing 
  Allows us to establish whether two or more siblings have the same father or mother (or both). Full siblings usually have more DNA in common than half siblings, while half siblings normally share more DNA than unrelated persons.
• Aunt/uncle (avuncular) testing 
  A useful test when the potential parent (mother/father) of the child is unable to provide a sample. However, the sample donor must be a full biological sibling of the potential mother or father, as this helps increase the likelihood of a conclusive result.
• Cousin testing 
  At AlphaBiolabs, we also now offer cousin testing. Parents and siblings, if available, should also be included as sample donors in the test to further increase the chance of achieving a conclusive result.

Our expert team can advise on the most appropriate test for the specific circumstances of your case.

Contact us on 0333 600 1300 or email testing@alphabiolabs.com to discuss your requirements. Alternatively, complete our online quote form, and a member of our team will contact you to discuss your client’s needs.

A paternity test produces a highly conclusive result because it involves a direct biological relationship. The comparison between a child and their potential father is straightforward, and the statistical probability of paternity can be calculated with a high degree of certainty.

Complex relationship tests – such as sibling, grandparent, aunt/uncle, or cousin testing – are less definitive because the DNA relationship being examined is more distant or indirect.

This is why the number of DNA markers analysed matters significantly in complex cases. AlphaBiolabs analyses up to 153 DNA markers for court-approved DNA tests at no extra cost, more than any other UK laboratory, maximising the statistical power of the test and giving the strongest possible result to support your case.

Once the DNA test has been performed, our expert geneticists will make a biostatistical calculation to confirm the relationship between the tested individuals.

There are three possible outcomes for complex relationship DNA test results when calculating the likelihood ratio for relatedness:

• A score of 10+ is supportive, meaning that there is very strong evidence that a relationship does exist.
• A score of 0 to 0.1 would be classed as not supportive of a relationship.
• Any calculation falling within 0.1 to 9.9 would be considered inconclusive.

If the result is inconclusive, it means that it is not possible to determine if a biological relationship exists between tested individuals.

Complex relationship DNA tests can be used to support inheritance disputes where direct paternity or maternity testing is not possible. For example, where a potential parent is deceased.

In these cases, testing other biological relatives such as grandparents, siblings, or aunts and uncles can help establish a family relationship to the required legal standard.

AlphaBiolabs can advise on the most appropriate test for the specific circumstances of your case. Contact our team on 0333 600 1300, email testing@alphabiolabs.com to discuss your requirements.

Alternatively, complete our online quote form, and a member of our expert team will contact you to discuss your client’s needs.

There are several instances where it may be necessary to perform a relationship DNA test on extended family members.

Examples include:

• Where a parent is unavailable for paternity/maternity testing – this could be for a variety of reasons, including where the potential mother or father has passed away. This is useful for child custody/maintenance matters, or if you want to change the name on a birth certificate.
• Inheritance disputes – where a father/mother has passed away and there is a question of paternity/ maternity, a son or daughter of the deceased might want a DNA test to prove paternity/maternity and make a claim against their parent’s estate.

Yes. While cheek (buccal) swabs are the standard sample type for legal relationship DNA testing, alternative samples can be used in certain circumstances. For example, where a sample donor is deceased.

Alternative sample types accepted by AlphaBiolabs for legal DNA testing include toenail clippings, tissue or blood samples. These samples would need to be collected by the coroner or funeral director, who will complete a declaration form at the time of sample collection.

If you have a case that requires DNA testing using alternative samples, contact our team on 0333 600 1300 or email testing@alphabiolabs.com to discuss the options available.