The decision to have a paternity test should not be taken lightly and you may have lots of questions. We urge you to consider all of the people involved and to decide whether this is the best course of action, particularly for any children in question. The following are the most frequent questions we get asked.

How can I pay for the test?

You can pay for your paternity test with a credit or debit card via our online registration service. The service uses secure server technology to ensure that your data and all records of the transaction are protected.

If you would prefer not to pay online please contact our Customer Services advisors on +44 1235 528000 to register and pay for your test.

How long will the test take?

Cellmark produces standard reports within 3-5 working days from when we receive the samples in our UK laboratory. If you are happy that it is in everyone's best interest you can start the process now.

Completing our online registration form will only take a few minutes, however you will need to see a Doctor or Nurse to have your DNA sample taken. Once we've received your sample it only takes a few days to get the results to you by first class post.

How are the DNA samples taken?

You will need to attend an appointment to have your samples taken by a Doctor or a Nurse. We can arrange that for you using our new sampling service or you can choose to use your own GP, or a GP registered to Cellmark. At that appointment a mouth swab will be rubbed gently and painlessly on the inside of your mouth to collect a sample of cheek cells.

You will also need to complete a consent form (please remember to take 2 passport style photographs of each person being tested to the appointment) and these and the sample will then sent to Cellmark by the surgery.

How does DNA testing work?

It works by detecting certain parts, or “markers” in the DNA molecule that are known to vary greatly between unrelated people. Our tests compare the DNA at a number of these markers to determine if people are related.

The process is called Short Tandem Repeat (STR) profiling. STR profiling is a very sensitive DNA testing procedure that was originally developed for forensic analysis. DNA is extracted from the sample and a special enzyme is used to copy the genetic code at the relevant regions in the DNA. An STR profile is the result of several separate DNA tests.

Are the results conclusive?

When a mother, child and possible father are tested Cellmark's results will either show he is not the father or normally provide proof of paternity with a confidence level of 99.99% and usually greater than 99.999%.

We also carry out other types of relationship testing, for further details please contact our Customer Service team on +44 1235 528000.

How are the results analysed?

When carrying out a paternity test the DNA of the mother, the child and the possible father are compared using the latest DNA analysis technology. A child inherits half of his or her DNA from each parent, so every genetic marker in the child’s pattern should be present in either the mother’s or father’s DNA.

In this example the test has identified two markers in the child’s DNA. One of the child's markers has been inherited from its mother; the other has been inherited from its father.

In this example the alleged father does not share any markers with the child and is therefore excluded from paternity (i.e. cannot be the father).

From what age can a child be tested?

The use of mouth swabs means that testing can be performed on a child of any age after birth. Some companies may offer pre-natal DNA testing but Cellmark agrees with the Human Genetics Commission's view that knowing the identity of the genetic father of the foetus could significantly influence the decision whether or not to proceed with a pregnancy and therefore Cellmark does not offer pre-natal DNA testing.

How do I confirm who is being tested?

Two passport style photographs and the signatures of each person being tested must be presented at the sampling appointment. These can be used to confirm the identity of the person(s) being tested and are sent with the samples to Cellmark.

In paternity cases all identification paperwork is held by Cellmark for a period of one year after which time the paperwork is destroyed in compliance with our registration with the Data Protection Act.

What is DNA paternity testing?

DNA paternity testing is a complex scientific process, carried out on a simple mouth swab, which can positively identify relationships between people. Most commonly it is used to establish if a man is the true biological father of a child.

DNA paternity testing is also often referred to simply as a DNA test, a paternity test or DNA testing. It was developed by Sir Alec Jeffreys at the University of Leicester in 1985. Cellmark became the UK's first private DNA paternity testing laboratory in 1987.

DNA (Deoxyribonucleic Acid) is the body’s genetic 'blueprint'. It is a long thread-like molecule which carries the "genetic code" that determines our individual characteristics. DNA is found in almost all of the billions of cells that make up our body. Every child inherits a unique mixture of DNA from its parents so, except for identical twins, no two people in the world have exactly the same genetic code.

Can other relationships be tested?

In certain circumstances it may be possible to assess more complex relationships such as brothers and sisters or grandparents and grandchildren. For more information please contact our Customer Service team on +44 1235 528000.

Will my DNA sample be safe?

The samples are sent to our laboratories in specially designed tamper-evident packaging. Once testing is complete and you have received the results, your DNA sample is stored securely for 3 months after which time it is destroyed.

In paternity cases all identification paperwork is held by Cellmark for a period of one year after testing is complete after which time it is destroyed in compliance with the UK's Data Protection Act 1998.

As directed by Data Protection laws your information will not be passed onto anyone you have not given us authorisation to do so. For further information please refer to our privacy policy, you can learn more about the Act by clicking on this link.

Is help available after I get my results?

We do not give out or discuss results over the telephone, however we are pleased to answer written enquiries about your specific results and to talk through general issues relating to DNA paternity testing. Call our customer services team on +44 1235 528000.

Is the service confidential?

Yes, under the requirements of UK Data Protection laws, the service and results are confidential. All adult parties who have submitted a sample for analysis will receive a copy of the report. Results are not passed on to any third parties unless you request us to do so. In order to further protect confidentiality we do not discuss results of tests over the telephone.

What about Quality Control?

Our quality management system has met ISO standards since 1990 and our laboratory procedures are accredited to ISO9001:2000 and ISO17025 and are subject to external monitoring. We also abide by the requirements of the Human Tissue Act, the Human Genetics Commission's Common Framework of Principles of Genetic Testing and are accredited by the Ministry of Justice to carry out parentage tests directed by the civil courts in England and Wales under section 20 of the Family Law Reform Act 1969.

If you require further information, or your question isn't listed here, then please call one of our friendly, professional and confidential Customer Service advisors on +44 1235 528000, or send your question via email to info@cellmark.ie, or use our discrete SMS service.