Selecting a DNA testing company
The decision to have a paternity test is one faced by
thousands of people every year, often in complicated emotional circumstances.
It is therefore essential that you choose the right company to carry
out your DNA test.
The quality, accuracy and conclusiveness of the test and
the service you receive should be important considerations.
Accreditation
The Ministry of Justice (MoJ) accredits laboratories
so that their results can be presented in court. Even though court proceedings may
not be being considered at the time the test is carried out, you should
consider the inconvenience and cost of having to have a second “court
accepted” test at a later date.
Certainty
If the possible father is not excluded by the DNA test, you should expect a
provide a minimum 99.99% probability (and usually considerably higher
than this) of paternity when mother, "father" and child are
all tested. If more complex relationships are to be tested you should
consider how "conclusive" the results would be - sibling analysis
and grand-parentage results may be far less conclusive so contact a supplier such as Cellmark
for further information on 01235 528000.
Customer Care
The voluntary Code of Practice states that those consenting to testing should
have had an opportunity to consider the possible implications raised
by the outcome of the test. Cellmark offers a confidential help and
expert advice service throughout the testing process. Contact us by
phone on 01235 528000, by email to info@cellmark.co.uk
or via our discrete SMS
service.
Experience and Credibility
Cellmark was established in 1987 and has been in business nearly
20 years.
Pre-natal testing
This issue was considered in the 2006 “Making Babies” report
by the Human Genetics Commission. Knowing the identity of the genetic
father of the foetus could significantly influence the decision whether
or not to proceed with a pregnancy. Any such test undertaken in the
UK would have to be with the consent of the man or men in question and
the HGC was particularly concerned that tests ordered on the internet
or by post might be used without the consent of all those whose DNA
is to be tested. They recommended that consumers of prenatal paternity
tests are made fully aware of the requirements for consent under the
terms of the Human Tissue Act by the companies offering these tests.
Cellmark will not undertake pre-natal testing.
Quality & Standards
Make sure the company holds international ISO quality standards - ISO9001:2000 and
ISO17025 is accredited by an external quality assessment scheme such as that run
by the AABB. Company procedures must be subject to regular independent external
monitoring ensuring that results and service remain of the highest
standard.
Speed
Making patients wait only adds to the emotional pressures they are facing,
standard paternity test results should be reported in 3-5
working days of having received the samples in UK laboratories.