DNA test for legal reasons
How does a DNA test for legal reasons work?
DNA test for legal reasons is used for official purposes. The chain of custody of the samples is always maintained as the sample donors are verified. Brashan DNA Services provides rapid, award-winning legal DNA testing to private individuals, legal professionals, social workers, and the media. Learn about DNA tests for peace of mind HERE
The DNA tests work by examining up to 42 Short Tandem Repeats (STR) markers, which are specific locations on a chromosome made up of sequences of repeated DNA. These STR markers are highly variable in length between individuals. Each individual has two copies of each STR marker, known as alleles: one is inherited from the father and the other from the mother. The two alleles observed at each STR marker are compared between the tested individuals. The correspondence of alleles between tested individuals provides evidence of a relationship between them. The probability of the tested individuals sharing a relationship is determined by statistical calculations.
Our award-winning Legal DNA Test kit for official reasons follows strict procedures to maintain the chain of custody, and as a result, our reports are court-approved and are accepted by:
- Family law courts
- The Ministry of Justice
- The Child Support Agency
- The UK Visas and Immigration Service
- The Home Office
How are the DNA samples collected?
For official reasons, the Legal DNA Test kit contains consent forms for sample donors, nurses, solicitors or doctors. An approved sample collector such as a nurse, a laboratory technician or another fully trained scientific or medical professional collects the samples to ensure that the results are admissible in court. Not only are swabs used to painlessly collect cheek (buccal) cells from the inside of the mouth, but also no needles or blood samples are needed for the DNA test. As mentioned above, fully trained sample collectors follow strict procedures to maintain the chain of custody, which is crucial for legal testing. Alternatively, your GP or medical practice could collect your samples (for a fee). DNA samples can be collected from any location, such as at a client’s home or office. LEARN MORE
DNA test for legal reasons turnaround time
DNA test results are provided the next day as standard (from when the samples arrive at the laboratory. Same-day results are available as the laboratory is in the UK and the samples will not be posted overseas. The laboratory’s rapid DNA testing won the Queen’s Award for Enterprise in Innovation 2016. An additional child to be tested costs an extra £100.00. Add this during checkout.
