Maternity DNA testing

When is maternity DNA testing needed?

A maternity DNA testing is often needed to confirm that there is a biological relationship between an alleged mother and a child.  This test is very similar to paternity DNA testing, and it is calculated in a similar way.

A mother who conceived their children by artificial fertilization needs maternity DNA testing when she needs to be sure that her own eggs were implanted into her uterus. It is often needed when there is a suspicion that an error was made by the hospital and a wrong egg was implanted. As a result of many published cases of these errors, many parents choose to confirm maternal relationships with a maternity DNA test.

A maternity DNA test is often required by an adopted child who has successfully found their ‘mother’ and needs to prove their biological relationship. You can perform a maternity DNA test on a baby or even a grown-up adult of any age.

What’s in the maternity DNA testing kit?

The maternity DNA testing kit includes a consent form, mouth swabs, and a self-addressed return envelope to the laboratory. The mouth swaps are used to collect cheek cell DNA by rubbing gently and painlessly on the inside of the cheek. The samples are then sent to the laboratory in the enclosed envelope. Learn more

The laboratory employs ultra-modern technology to provide accurate and trusted DNA results. The maternity DNA test analyses up to 42 DNA markers –the industry standard in the UK is 21 - for DNA testing – to examine the child’s DNA and identify which half is inherited from the mother.

When testing the biological mother of the child, both will share enough DNA markers to confirm a biological relationship. If the tested woman is not the biological mother, there will not be enough match between both the alleged mother and the child’s DNA markers

You may choose to purchase the DNA test kit only and send your samples to the laboratory when you wish. Learn more