Paternity Testing

A paternity test allows you to determine, with accuracy, whether a tested man is indeed the true biological father of a child. A typical DNA test will involve a ‘trio’. That is the child, the child’s mother and the man who has been named as the potential father (the alleged father). Typically this will give a probability of paternity of in excess of 99.999%, although this can vary a little due to the genetic background and origins of the individuals tested.

Tests can be performed without the mother of the tested child being involved, but these are less conclusive (typically 99.99%). For this reason we strongly recommend that the mother takes part in the testing process.

Indeed, for CSA purposes, there is a requirement for the mother to be tested.

If however, a tested male is not the father of the child, then the result is an exclusion, that is, it is 100% certain that he is not the biological father of that child.

Results are presented in a written report and distributed to the contracting party for distribution unless otherwise instructed.

All adult parties tested, including the person with Parental Responsibility for the child (if the child is under the age of 16), are entitled to receive their own copy of the DNA testing report.

Please note that in accord with the Human Tissue Act 2004, we only work with appropriately consented samples. For a child (under 16), we will require consent from someone who has Parental Responsibility for that child. This may, for example, be a parent (most often the mother) or a Local Authority representative. Please see our FAQs page for more information.

We will provide any necessary consent forms and give advice on these matters at the time of ordering.

If you would like to discuss a case, request a quotation or place an order, please feel free to call us on either 0191 543 6334 or 0203 603 1323.

• Downloadable contact us/quotation request form, click here.
• Paternity order form, click here.
• Additional Child form, click here.
• Split invoice form, click here.

Please return the completed downloaded form by either;

• a) e-mail to [email protected],
• b) fax to 0871 231 1282 or
• c) mail to Complement Genomics Ltd (dadcheck®gold), The Durham Genome Centre, Park House, Station Road, Lanchester, Co. Durham, DH7 0EX.