Our paternity and DNA testing guide has been provided by Cellmark, the UK’s most experienced and recommended DNA paternity testing service. Established in 1987 Cellmark is accredited by the UK Ministry of Justice and, with over 20 years of specialist DNA paternity testing is one of the largest and most trusted paternity testing providers in Europe. For further information, or to discuss any issues surrounding DNA Paternity Testing please contact Cellmark's friendly and professional customer services team on 08000 362 522 or go online at www.cellmark.co.uk.
DNA paternity testing is a scientific process that can positively identify relationships between people from their DNA. 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.
Court approved vs "peace of mind" testing
The Ministry of Justice maintains a short list of companies (PDF format) that are accredited to carry out parentage tests directed by the civil courts in England and Wales under section 20 of the Family Law Reform Act 1969.
Being accredited by the Ministry of Justice means that companies like Cellmark abide by the
voluntary code of practice for genetic testing laboratories, and are accredited to the International Quality Standard ISO17025.
So called "Peace of Mind" paternity tests, otherwise known as "curiosity testing", "self sampling testing" and "home testing" do not follow the same rigorous standards that Cellmark's DNA tests do. Cellmark believe that their customers get true peace of mind by knowing that their paternity test will be carried out professionally and reliably by the UK's most experienced paternity laboratory. They know that they can trust the test results and be certain that they will be legally accepted.
For more information about DNA paternity testing and the courts see Her Majesty's Courts Service web site.
The most commonly carried out types of DNA testing include:
For further information on the work of the Human Genetics Commission and the Human Tissue Act visit the HGC’s website www.hgc.gov.uk.
Get a quote for DNA testing/paternity test
If you would like a quote for DNA testing/a paternity test, or further information on DNA tests, from up to three providers of DNA paternity testing services in the UK
Complete the DNA testing enquiry form....
