Cheshire-based AlphaBiolabs becomes first in the UK to be accredited for prenatal paternity testing

Press Release: 7th February 2022

Leading DNA testing provider AlphaBiolabs is celebrating after becoming the first UK laboratory to be awarded accreditation for its non-invasive prenatal paternity testing.

The Warrington-headquartered laboratory, which provides a range of DNA, drug, alcohol, and Covid-19 testing services for members of the public, the legal sector, and the workplace sector, was awarded ISO 17025 accreditation by the UK Accreditation Service (UKAS) following a two-year validation process.

Beginning in 2019, the AlphaBiolabs DNA team undertook an extensive validation project, ensuring that the company’s prenatal paternity testing methods met the highest possible standards for efficacy, as required by UKAS.

The project was then submitted to UKAS, and an external audit was conducted to ensure the company’s DNA analysis met the criteria for ISO 17025 accreditation, an internationally recognised standard for Testing and Calibration Laboratories.

As well as supplying prenatal paternity testing for members of the public and legal clients across the UK, AlphaBiolabs also exports its prenatal paternity tests to 23 countries around the world.

News of the accreditation comes as figures show demand for prenatal paternity tests is on the rise.

As of 2021, the company recorded a 47 per cent increase in such tests performed versus pre-pandemic levels^* as more people become aware of the benefits of this innovative, risk-free test.

A non-invasive prenatal paternity test can be carried out from as early as seven weeks into pregnancy, making it possible to determine paternity before a baby is born.

An AlphaBiolabs prenatal paternity test is 100% safe for both mother and baby, as it only requires cheek swabs and a blood sample from the mother and cheek swabs from the father. It is possible to identify the unborn baby’s DNA via the mother’s blood sample, as DNA from the foetus is passed into the mother’s bloodstream via the placenta during pregnancy.

If the man in question is the biological father of the child, the man and baby will share DNA markers.

 Casey Randall, Head of DNA at AlphaBiolabs

Casey Randall, Head of DNA at AlphaBiolabs, said: “We are really proud to be the first testing laboratory in the UK to secure this accreditation and the achievement is testament to the hard work and dedication of our DNA team.

“For many people, establishing paternity before a baby is born can have a significant impact, not just on family dynamics, but also during any legal proceedings where arrangements need to be made to safeguard a child that may be at risk, or where families need to prove paternity to resolve maintenance payment or child custody issues.

“We pride ourselves on being a market leader in innovation, investing in the people, tools and techniques that put us as the forefront of DNA analysis. With UKAS accreditation, customers can be confident that AlphaBiolabs’ prenatal paternity testing is performed to the highest possible standard for fast, accurate results that they can trust.”

For more information, call 0333 600 1300 or email info@alphabiolabs.com and a member of the Customer Services team will be in touch.

For further information please contact AlphaBiolabs on 0333 600 1300, email media@alphabiolabs.com or visit www.alphabiolabs.co.uk

Notes to editors

Founded in 2004 and headquartered in Warrington, Cheshire, AlphaBiolabs is a leading and award-winning provider of DNA, drug, alcohol, and Covid-19 testing services in the UK.

The company employs state-of-the-art techniques to provide timely, accurate, and cost-efficient testing to meet a range of needs. The company’s client base spans consumers, businesses, family and immigration law solicitors, social services, local authorities, and the media.

The company also has walk-in centres in London, Birmingham, Cardiff, Leeds, Liverpool, Manchester, Glasgow, Newcastle upon Tyne, Preston, and Warrington.

Visit www.alphabiolabs.co.uk for more information.

The media contact for AlphaBiolabs is Alyssa James

Email: ajames@alphabiolabs.com or media@alphabiolabs.com
Phone: 01925 255450