How To Select A Dna Paternity Tester?

The decision to have a paternity test is one faced by thousands of people every year, often in complicated emotional circumstances. It is therefore essential that you choose the right company to carry out your DNA test.

The quality, accuracy and conclusiveness of the test and the service you receive should be important considerations.

Accreditation

The Ministry of Justice (formerly the Department of Constitutional Affairs) accredits laboratories so that their results can be presented in court - Cellmark is accredited by the Ministry of Justice and has been since 1991. Even though court proceedings may not be being considered at the time the test is carried out, you should consider the inconvenience and cost of having to have a second “court accepted” test at a later date.

Certainty

If the possible father is not excluded by the DNA test, Cellmark will provide a minimum 99.99% probability (and usually considerably higher than this) of paternity when mother, "father" and child are all tested. If more complex relationships are to be tested you should consider how "conclusive" the results would be - sibling analysis and grand-parentage results may be far less conclusive so contact Cellmark's experienced and confidential Customer Services advisors on 0800 0 362 522.

Customer Care

The Code of Practice states that those consenting to testing should have had an opportunity to consider the possible implications raised by the outcome of the test. Cellmark offers a confidential help and expert advice service throughout the testing process. Contact us by phone on 0800 0 362 522, by email to info@cellmark.co.uk or via our discrete SMS service.

Experience and Credibility

Cellmark was established in 1987 and we have been in business nearly 20 years. In that time we've conducted hundreds of thousands of DNA tests for people just like you. Cellmark is the Home of DNA Testing - we are the tester of choice for Government departments, family law and immigration practitioners, we are constantly recommended by GP's, Nurses and Midwives.

Pre-natal testing

This issue was considered in the 2006 “Making Babies” report by the Human Genetics Commission. Knowing the identity of the genetic father of the foetus could significantly influence the decision whether or not to proceed with a pregnancy. Any such test undertaken in the UK would have to be with the consent of the man or men in question and the HGC was particularly concerned that tests ordered on the internet or by post might be used without the consent of all those whose DNA is to be tested. They recommended that consumers of prenatal paternity tests are made fully aware of the requirements for consent under the terms of the Human Tissue Act by the companies offering these tests. Cellmark will not undertake pre-natal testing.

Professionalism

Cellmark participated in the establishment of the original Dept.of Health Voluntary Code of Practice and Guidance on Genetic Paternity Testing Services in the UK to ensure the provision of testing in an accurate, confidential and ethical manner. We have been actively engaged in the development of an updated Code of Practice for some time and look forward its publication.

Quality & Standards

Cellmark holds international ISO quality standards - ISO9001:2000 and ISO17025 is accredited by the external quality assessment scheme run by the AABB. Our procedures are subject to regular independent external monitoring ensuring our results and our service remain of the highest standard.

Speed

Making patients wait only adds to the emotional pressures they are facing, that's why Cellmark delivers standard paternity test results in 3-5 working days of having received the samples in our UK laboratories.