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What is DNA?
Deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) is a chemical substance found in most cells of the human body (and in most cells of all living organisms).
The DNA in an individual's blood is the same as the DNA found in their hair roots and skin cells.
DNA stores information that is needed for passing down our genetic characteristics from one generation to the next - for example,
what we look like and how we develop - hence it is also known as our genetic blueprint. Half of each person's DNA comes from their
mother and the other half from their father.
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What does a DNA test involve?
The process is very simple. It will involve collecting cheek cells from the mouth (of each individual to be tested) using the cotton
swabs provided and returning the samples to our laboratory for processing. After testing, the results will be analysed and a test
report issued.
Samples are taken by the individuals themselves for the Self-Sampling Test, and by a Sampler for the Legal Test Service.
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Does taking a sample hurt?
No, the sample is taken by a non-invasive method. The cotton swab provided is rubbed over the inside of the cheek in the mouth,
to remove cells containing DNA.
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How accurate is the test?
A DNA test is the most accurate genetic identification test available. However care must be taken not to contaminate the samples.
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Who carries out the tests?
Our team of highly qualified scientists carry out the DNA testing in our UK laboratory, based in Norwich, Norfolk.
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Do you use an Accredited Laboratory?
Yes, we use the laboratories of Anglia DNA Services Ltd,
our sister company, which is accredited by the UK Accreditation Service to the ISO 17025 International Standard for its paternity
testing. Anglia DNA Services Ltd is also 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.
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How does a paternity DNA test work?
A DNA test looks for similarities within specific regions of DNA to see whether two individuals are related.
Samples taken from child, mother and father are processed in our laboratory. DNA from each individual's sample is extracted.
To identify similarities in the DNA, we target fifteen specific areas of the DNA which are known to vary widely between individuals.
These fifteen areas of DNA, plus an area of DNA which indicates the sex of an individual, are targeted and copied many times.
The DNA is then separated and sorted by size to produce a 'DNA profile'. A DNA profile is similar to a barcode and is unique to each
individual (except identical twins). By comparing the DNA profiles of the child and the mother, it is possible to establish the common
factors between them. The child's factors not found in the mother's profile must therefore come from the biological father. An alleged
father is excluded as the biological father if factors found on his DNA profile are not shared with the child's. However if the alleged
father's profile shares common factors with the child's then he is not excluded as the true biological father. A statistical analysis
is then carried out to calculate the probability of paternity.
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What can you tell from the test?
For a paternity test, the test will either exclude someone as the biological father or it will include them as the true biological father
and a statistical analysis will be provided to support this claim if the alleged father is included.
For a sibling test, the test will indicate whether or not the siblings are half or full siblings and a statistical analysis
will be provided to show the probability of the relationship. For other family relationship testing, the biological relationship will be
indicated in a similar way.
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Why do you need to know the ethnic group?
In order to calculate the probability of paternity or family relationship accurately, it is important that the appropriate database of
allele frequencies (derived from the ethnic origin of the individuals being tested) is used. We therefore need to know the ethnic origin
of each individual being tested.
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How long will the results take?
Once we receive your samples in our laboratory, we will process them as quickly as possible. We process a Standard Paternity Test in five
working days enabling you to receive your results as soon as possible. We also offer express paternity tests ranging from 12 to 72 hours
from receipt of the samples, please contact us for prices.
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Who will receive the results?
The results will be given to the person nominated on the Consent Form (or Sampler Statement), for whom everyone tested has given consent,
and other authorised persons where appropriate. Please see paragraphs 6 and 10 of our Code of Practice for more details.
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What happens to the DNA after the test is carried out?
The extracted DNA is destroyed three months after the report has been sent out.
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What if I want to take my results to court?
If you need the results of the test for court or for other legal purposes, such as changing a birth certificate, you will require our
Legal Test Service. Contact us or visit Anglia DNA Services Ltd. for more details.
If you have any questions or need any further information please contact us on 01603 450946 or use the
Enquiry Form on this website.
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