Choosing a Reliable DNA Testing Provider in the UK

To ensure your DNA paternity test is accurate and legally valid, consider the following:

✔ UKAS Accreditation – Are your samples tested in a UK-based laboratory accredited to UKAS 17025? This accreditation guarantees that the laboratory follows strict quality and scientific standards set by the United Kingdom Accreditation Service (UKAS).

✔ UK-Based Provider – Many DNA testing companies claim to be UKAS accredited, but they send samples overseas for testing. To ensure chain of custody and data security, choose a UK-based provider like DNA Clinics, where all testing is conducted in a UKAS-accredited UK laboratory.

✔ Secure Sample Collection – The accuracy of your results starts with how the DNA sample is collected. DNA Clinics offers three secure collection options:

1️⃣ Clinic Appointment – Attend a DNA Clinics location where a certified sample collection officer will take your mouth swab sample and guide you through the paperwork.
2️⃣ Home Collection – A certified collection officer can visit your home for added convenience.
3️⃣ Self-Collection Kit – Order a paternity DNA test kit online, including the Boots Paternity DNA Test Kit.

🔹 Legal DNA Testing vs. Peace of Mind Testing

• Option 1 or 2 (Clinic or Mobile Collection): Available for both legal and peace of mind paternity tests.
• Option 3 (Self-Collection Kit): Only available for a peace of mind test, as legal paternity testing requires identity verification at an appointment.

How Accurate is a Paternity DNA Test?

A paternity DNA test is almost 100% accurate when determining whether a man is the biological father of a child.

Here’s what you can expect in your DNA paternity test report:

✔ Positive Result (Inclusion as the Father)

• When the biological mother participates, the probability of paternity is typically 99.9999% or higher.
• If the mother does not participate, the probability is still at least 99.99%, which is considered conclusive proof of paternity.

❌ Negative Result (Exclusion as the Father)

• A negative paternity result means that the tested man is excluded as the biological father, and the probability of paternity is 0%.

Why Isn't the Result 100%?

A paternity test cannot provide a 100% probability because, to do so, we would need to test every possible male in the world. However, a probability of 99% or higher is considered scientifically conclusive for paternity.

What Can Affect the Accuracy of a Paternity Test?

DNA testing technology is highly advanced, and errors are rare. However, some factors can influence accuracy:

🔸 Sample Contamination – If samples are mishandled or mixed up, it may affect results. This is more common with self-collection kits, but the laboratory can detect the issue and request new samples.

🔸 Related Alleged Fathers – If two potential biological fathers are closely related (e.g., brothers), they share more genetic markers. In these cases, we require DNA from both men to ensure accurate results.

🔸 Genetic Mutations or Bone Marrow Transplants – Extremely rare, but a bone marrow transplant or specific genetic mutations could impact DNA analysis. If this applies to you, our Clinical Advisors are available for guidance.

Ensuring Accuracy & Data Security

At DNA Clinics, we follow strict quality control measures to ensure every test is processed with the highest level of accuracy:

✔ ISO 9001 Certified – Ensures the highest standard of quality management.
✔ ISO 27001 Certified – Provides strict data security and confidentiality.
✔ UKAS 17025 Accredited Laboratory – Guarantees accuracy and reliability in DNA testing.