0333 600 1300
info@alphabiolabs.com
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Nail DNA Testing
£195 + DNA relationship test
- £195 + cost of DNA relationship test
- New way to collect DNA
- Results in 7 working days
- Easy and discreet sample collection
- Up to 45 DNA markers (loci) analysed
- Award-winning UK laboratory
- Over ONE MILLION genetic tests performed since 2004
- Kit sent directly to your address in discreet, plain packaging
All major debit and credit cards accepted, or…
Pay in 3 interest-free payments using PayPal. Learn more
Discreet, reliable DNA testing direct from our award-winning laboratory
What is a nail DNA test?
A nail DNA test is a type of viability study, which involves extracting a DNA profile from nail clippings for the purpose of performing a DNA relationship test.
A DNA relationship test is usually performed by collecting cheek swab samples from two or more sample donors and comparing each person’s DNA profile to verify a biological relationship.
However, with a nail DNA test, our geneticists will attempt to extract a DNA profile from fingernail clippings and/or toenail clippings instead of a cheek swab sample.
If a DNA profile can be retrieved from the nail clippings, a DNA relationship test can then be performed by analysing and comparing the DNA profile from the nail clippings with the DNA profiles of the other test participants obtained via cheek swabs.
If a DNA profile cannot be retrieved from the nail clippings, we will contact you to refund the cost of your DNA relationship test.
Please note a refund will not be possible for the laboratory work already undertaken while performing the viability study on the nail clippings.
How does nail DNA testing work?
In just a few simple steps, you can get a DNA relationship test without the need for all participants to submit cheek swab samples.
Once you have placed your order, your test kit will be sent out immediately in discreet, plain packaging.
Your test kit will contain everything you need to return your nail clippings to our laboratory, and to perform the subsequent DNA relationship test using cheek swabs, assuming a profile can be extracted from the nail clippings.
Here’s how an AlphaBiolabs Nail DNA test works:
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Order your Nail DNA test for £195
This cost covers a viability study on the nail clippings. Our scientists will work to extract a DNA profile from the nail clippings provided. If you want to send the nail clippings of more than one person (e.g. from multiple children) please select this option while placing your order (additional fee applies)
- You will also need to choose the DNA relationship test that you want (e.g. paternity, maternity, sibling). Please note that this DNA relationship test can ONLY be performed if a DNA profile can be extracted from the nail clippings
- Follow the instructions provided in your test kit to collect cheek swab samples and return them to our laboratory, together with the nail clippings
- Once received, our scientists will work to extract a DNA profile from the nail clippings provided
- If a DNA profile can be retrieved from the nail clippings, we can then proceed with your chosen DNA relationship test
- We will analyse and compare the cheek swab DNA samples with the DNA profile from the nail clippings, to determine whether the tested individuals are related
Over ONE MILLION genetic tests performed since 2004
When is a nail DNA test useful?
You may want a Nail DNA test if:
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You are looking to perform a DNA relationship test (e.g. paternity test) on a slightly older child, where the use of a cheek swab could lead to awkward questions.
A nail DNA test is ideal if you want to collect a DNA sample in a subtle manner, from a child under 16 years of age.
Any person aged 16 or over must provide their own consent (a signature) for their DNA sample to be used in testing.
However, for children under 16 years of age, a parent or guardian with parental responsibility can provide consent on behalf of the child undertaking the DNA test.
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You want to perform a DNA relationship test on someone who has passed away.
It is not possible to collect a cheek swab sample from a deceased person. However, DNA can be collected from the deceased’s nail clippings if the next of kin provide consent.
In this instance, the nail clippings (usually toenail clippings) would need to be collected by the coroner or funeral director for use in the test.
If a DNA profile for the deceased person can be extracted from the nail clippings, this profile can then be used to verify a biological relationship to a living relative, using a DNA relationship test (and cheek swabs from the living relative).
Please note: our Nail DNA test is for peace of mind only and cannot be used in legal proceedings. If you need a DNA test for use in court, you will need a legal DNA test.
For confidential advice on whether a Nail DNA test is right for you, call our Customer Services team on 0333 600 1300 or email info@alphabiolabs.com.
Sample collection
Nail clippings
You can send your nail clippings back to our laboratory using the sample envelope provided in your test kit.
We ask that you provide as many nail clippings (fingernail and/or toenail) as possible. This will ensure we have enough nail clippings to test and provide you with a conclusive result.
Our scientists will check that we have enough nail clippings to test when your samples arrive at our laboratory, and a member of our team will contact you if there are any issues.
All nail polish or artificial nail applications (e.g. acrylics, gels) MUST be completely removed before samples are collected. Otherwise, the sample will be rejected.
Cheek swabs
Your test kit will contain everything you need to collect cheek swab samples for your subsequent DNA relationship test.
Please note, the DNA relationship test can only be performed if a viable DNA profile can be retrieved from the nail clippings.
Up to 45 DNA markers analysed for a 100% accurate result
Frequently Asked Questions
AlphaBiolabs’ geneticists have undertaken viability studies to prove that nail clippings can be a good source of DNA.
We have had a high rate of success with these viability studies. However, in the unlikely event that a viable DNA profile cannot be retrieved from the nail clippings, we will contact you and arrange to refund the cost of the DNA relationship test.
Please note, a refund will not be possible for the laboratory work already undertaken on the nail clippings for the viability study.
Consent must be provided for all nail clipping samples that are sent in to be analysed, and for cheek swab samples that are sent in for the subsequent DNA relationship test.
If the nail clippings belong to a person who has passed away, next of kin or another qualifying relative must provide consent for their DNA to be used in testing.
For children under 16 years of age, consent can be provided by a parent or guardian with parental responsibility. Any person aged 16 or over must provide their own consent (a signature) for their DNA to be used in testing.
Our laboratory can accept fingernail clippings and toenail clippings for DNA testing. They can also be sent together in the same sample.
We ask that you provide as many nail clippings as possible. This will ensure we have enough nail clippings to test and provide you with a conclusive result.
All nail polish or artificial nail applications (e.g. acrylics, gels) MUST be completely removed before samples are collected. Otherwise, the sample will be rejected.
No. All artificial nail applications MUST be completely removed before the nail clippings are taken, otherwise the sample will be rejected.
The nail clippings must be sent to the laboratory in the sample envelope contained in the testing kit.
Once the nail clippings arrive at the laboratory for DNA testing, the first step is to extract the DNA profile from the sample.
If a profile can be retrieved, a DNA relationship test can then be performed using cheek swabs from the other individual(s) taking part in the test and comparing the DNA profile with that found in the nail clippings.
Our DNA relationship tests analyse up to 45 DNA Short Tandem Repeat (STR) markers – double the industry standard – for the most accurate and reliable DNA testing on the market.
STR markers are specific locations on a chromosome made up of sequences of repeated DNA. These STR markers are highly variable in length between individuals.
Relationship tests are completed by comparing the observed DNA profiles from a group of people and considering the probability of any potential relationships. A paternity test, for example, is performed by comparing the STR markers seen in the child with those of the alleged father.
The cost of the viability study using nail clippings (Nail DNA Test) is £195.
The price of the required DNA relationship test then needs to be added on top of this if a DNA profile can be retrieved from the nail clippings.
Results of the viability study can be made available in up to 5 days.
The results of the DNA relationship test can then be made available the next day* or same day*, depending on which option you chose when placing your order.
*Working days from when the DNA samples arrive at our laboratory, before 10am.
