Free DNA testing

Is there such a thing as free DNA testing? This search term frequently hits the top spot on Google searches and is a question our Customer Services team get asked regularly. DNA testing is not available for free. DNA testing is also not available on the NHS. What can be misleading is testing companies advertising DNA testing kits for free or at cut-price. The catch is that you’ll need to then pay a high fee to get your samples processed. The NHS advises that customers use government accredited testing laboratories [1]. That way you can be sure of getting a high-quality service. Professional testing companies will be UKAS accredited, which means they have been assessed against internationally recognised standards to demonstrate their competence and performance capability.

Paternity test kit

AlphaBiolabs is a UKAS accredited testing laboratory that offers DNA paternity testing from as little as £99 for next day results. Same day results can also be made available for an extra £70. Paternity tests work by analysing DNA within samples provided by the family members. Specific DNA markers are investigated in each sample to identify which half of the child’s DNA is inherited from the father and which half is from the mother. If the man is indeed the biological father, both child and father will share identical sections of DNA at each marker. There will be differences in the DNA if the tested man is not the biological father. [et_pb_button button_url=”https://www.alphabiolabs.co.uk/public-testing-services/paternity-testing/” button_text=”Order a Home Paternity Test Online” _builder_version=”3.19.5″ custom_button=”on” button_text_size=”19px” button_bg_color=”#00ab84″ button_border_width=”0px” button_border_color=”rgba(0,0,0,0)” button_border_radius=”25px” button_font=”||||||||”][/et_pb_button]

DNA testing UK

Before undertaking any DNA testing It is important to carefully think about the issues involved. Have you considered the full implications of the result for everybody concerned? Proving biological parentage may be reassuring, but you may not get the results you were hoping for. It can be a distressing situation for all parties concerned, and especially children. You also need to establish why you need to know the results as there are two types of DNA tests available: Peace of Mind and Legal. Peace of Mind DNA testing kits can be easily acquired online or bought from local High Street stores. Full instructions tell you how to collect your DNA samples (usually cheek cells) using the swabs provided in the kits. The samples are then returned to the lab for analysis, with results available within days. Legal tests are needed to stand as evidence in court. These types of tests are also needed to change the name on a birth certificate and for child custody issues. Strict chain of custody conditions need to be followed, which means that a trained sample collector or medical professional would need to collect your DNA samples and send them securely back to the lab for testing. Legal samples can also be collected for free at AlphaBiolabs’ nationwide Walk in Centres. Further details on AlphaBiolabs’ DNA testing services can be accessed at our Frequently Asked Questions page. Alternatively, please call our Customer Services team on 0333 600 1300 or email info@alphabiolabs.com. [1] https://www.gov.uk/get-dna-test