Here is the list of the most frequently asked questions on DNA testing
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.
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.
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.
Cellmark produces
standard reports the NEXT working day from when we receive the
samples in our laboratory. If you are happy that it is in everyone's
best interest you can start the process now.
Registering a case by phone will only take a few minutes, however you will need
to see a Doctor, Nurse or Cellmark trained sampler to have your DNA sample taken. If we receive
your sample in our labs before 10 am we can normally make the report available to you by the end of the next working day.
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
99.9999%.
We also carry out other types of relationship testing, for further
details please contact our Customer Service team on 1890 987 886.
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.
How are the DNA samples taken?
You will need to
make an appointment have your samples taken by a Doctor, Nurse or Cellmark trained sampler.
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 at the surgery (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. If you use our dedicated sampling service they will take digital photographs instead.
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 2 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).
How do I confirm who is being tested?
Two passport sized
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 1 year after which time the paperwork is destroyed
in compliance with our registration with the Data Protection Act.
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.
Our quality management
system has met ISO standards since 1990 and our laboratory procedures
are accredited to ISO9001, ISO17025 and ISO27001 and are subject to external
monitoring. We are accredited by the Ministry of Justice as a body that may carry out parentage tests (otherwise called DNA Testing or Paternity Testing) as directed by the civil courts in England and Wales under section 20 of the Family Law Reform Act 1969 and we also adhere to the Human Genetics Commissions "Common Framework of Principles on DNA testing".
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 1890 987 886.
You can pay for your paternity test with a credit or debit card, please contact our Customer Services advisors on 1890 987 886 to register and pay for your test.
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 1 year after testing is complete after which time
it is destroyed in compliance with the 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 1890 987 886.
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 1890 987 886, or send your question via email to info@cellmark.ie.
