Your Guide to Legally Approved DNA Tests

Legally approved DNA tests provide undeniable proof of biological relationships. These tests follow strict rules and only accredited laboratories can perform them, making them acceptable evidence in court or for other legal bodies.

Legally approved DNA test results are accepted in court and can help with immigration, paternity disputes, Birth Certificate amendments or inheritance claims. 

Moreover, legally approved tests have rules to protect your privacy and keep your genetic information safe. 

What Is a Third-Party Sample Collection?

Legally approved DNA tests rely on a strict process called the ‘chain of custody’ of the samples. This means carefully tracking and handling the DNA samples from the moment someone collects them to when the lab analyses them. If anything disrupts this chain, like mishandling or contamination, the test results might not be valid.

This is where third-party sample collection is important. An independent person or organisation collects the samples, ensuring a fair and trustworthy process. This prevents any tampering or influence, keeping the test results reliable. Having a neutral third party also adds another layer of checking, assuring everyone that the samples are real and haven’t been changed.

In the UK, dadcheck® has trained Registered Sample Collectors who will visit the test participants at a date, time and location convenient to them. This may be a family address, carer address, family time session or a Solicitor office for example. We can arrange this directly with the donors/carers or through a support worker if required. 

Outside of the UK, samples are collected at medical centre’s of the families choosing. We have worked with many clinics multiple times and so we may be able to recommend clinics in certain countries. 

The Process of Legally Approved DNA Testing

Getting a legally approved DNA test involves a few important steps to make sure the results are accurate and accepted in court.

Choose an Accredited Laboratory

First, you need to choose a lab that has been officially approved. This means the lab follows strict rules and will adhere to ISO/IEC 17025 guidance. dadcheck®gold is a great example of a trusted lab with the right qualifications and we have been assisting the public and legal professionals alike with legally admissible DNA tests for almost 20 years.

Schedule the Sample Collection

Next, we will schedule an appointment to have each test participant’s DNA samples collected. We are happy to contact the donors directly and arrange with them the most suitable date, time and location for each sample collection appointment. We can also contact the carer’s or Social Workers should you prefer and arrange via these. 

The Sample Collection Procedure

The actual sample collection is a very controlled process. Our Registered Sample Collector will check the ID document of each participant to warrant their identity. They will photograph the ID document provided and take a digital photo of the donor during the appointment.

Each donor over the age of 16 years will sign their own consent form and for any child under 16 years, then the person with Parental Responsibility for them will sign their consent form.Then, they’ll take a DNA sample from each donor, by swabbing the inside of your cheek using our soft cotton ended sterile swabs. The sample is then packaged and sent back to our laboratory by the sampler themselves.

Laboratory Analysis and Results

After that, the sample goes into our laboratory for analysis. We will process each sample using special technology to examine your DNA, create an electronic DNA profile for each participant and finally analyse these to obtain your test results.  Dadcheck®gold sends the results to the ordering party for distribution, keeping everything confidential and secure. These results can be very important in legal situations, so every step must be done correctly.

Using a Trusted DNA Testing Laboratory

When you need a legally approved DNA test, trust and reliability matter; dadcheck®gold is one of the most trusted and recommended companies for doing so. Our official accreditation shows our dedication to quality and following the highest industry standards. We have almost 20 years of experience and a strong reputation, earning the trust of many people and legal professionals who need legally admissible DNA test results.

Our skilled scientists work in our UK laboratory, using the latest technology and careful procedures to ensure every test is precise. We understand DNA testing is sensitive, so we keep everything confidential and secure.

At dadcheck®gold, we offer many types of legally approved DNA tests to meet different needs and legal situations. Whether you need a paternity test, help with immigration, or another type of legal DNA test, we have the skills and resources to help. We focus on our clients, providing clear communication, guidance, and support throughout the testing process.

Need a Legally Approved DNA Test? dadcheck®gold Can Help You

In summary, legally approved DNA tests are essential when the results have legal implications. Make sure your test results are accurate, reliable, and recognised by the legal system. The careful process of independent sample collection maintains the strength of the evidence.

Choosing a trusted lab like dadcheck®gold guarantees your legally approved DNA tests will be conducted to the highest standards. We keep your information private and ensure your satisfaction with our service.

If you need a legally approved DNA test for any legal matter, contact dadcheck®gold. Our experts will guide you through the process, address your questions, and provide support for every step of the DNA testing.

Share this:

More News & Articles

02 Mar

Should Rapists Gain Parental Responsibility

17 Oct

Changing Details on the Birth Certificate: A Complete Guide

03 Jul

DNA Experts Assist Family Lawyers with Parentage Testing