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.
Immigration testing
In January 1991 the UK government introduced a scheme which uses DNA testing to help resolve relationship disputes in immigration applications. These relationship tests are often more complex than standard paternity cases and the analysis and reporting therefore sometimes takes a little longer.
Cellmark is the only company contracted to the UK Foreign and Commonwealth Office UK visas scheme to provide all of their DNA relationship testing. Cellmark's DNA test results are accepted by United Kingdom and United States immigration departments as well as by other government immigration departments.
In addition to providing DNA testing services to clients participating in government testing schemes, Cellmark also undertake a large number of DNA relationship testing cases for private customers who require evidence of relationship to support their immigration and visa applications, or an appeal against a decision based upon disputed relationship.
If I need a DNA test – what should I do?
If you require a DNA test to prove a relationship to help you get a passport or visa, or for an entry clearance appeal contact a company which provides DNA testing services.
Do I need to use a solicitor?
Not necessarily. However to obtain public funding in the UK for testing you will need to contact a solicitor. You may also find that a solicitor or advice agency such as the Immigration Advisory Service or Immigration Consultancy Services can offer assistance in completing the forms.
How much will it cost?
Standard charges are £145 +VAT per person. In addition to this you will need to pay the cost of having the DNA samples taken. The sampler’s fees will vary and you will need to contact them to establish the exact price.
What relationships can be identified?
DNA testing can conclusively identify parent/child relationships and is helpful in identifying close relationships such as aunt or uncle/niece or nephew, grandparent/grandchild, or brother/sister. DNA testing may also provide useful information to assess halfbrother/ sister relationships. DNA testing companies should discuss each case with you to ensure that the most appropriate ‘known’ relatives are tested and that the best DNA technology is used, to achieve the most conclusive result.
How is DNA collected?
A simple, painless, mouth swab collection system is used. The swab is rubbed gently around the inside of your mouth to collect a sample of cheek cells. If you are not resident in the UK it is your responsibility to contact your nearest British High Commission to see whether they would be willing to take samples for a private DNA test. If they are willing, mouth swab sampling kits will be sent directly to the Embassy by your DNA testing company.
What do I need to take to the sampling appointment?
You will need to take two passport-sized photographs, of each person to be tested, to the sampling appointment. The sampler must sign these photographs, providing evidence that they are a true likeness of the person who has given the sample. Government-issued identification, such as a passport or Home Office Travel Document, and a photocopy of this ID is also required. The photocopy of this ID document will be forwarded to your DNA testing company along with the sample, forms consenting to the DNA test and the photographs. It will usually take approximately 10-15 working days to obtain a result.
How long will it take?
Once all the samples in the case have been received by UK laboratories, it will usually take approximately 10-15 working days to obtain a result.
What will the results say?
You will receive a report using the DNA samples tested which will detail the most likely relationship between the individuals tested, and contain statistics to support this. To ensure the most conclusive result, it is important that the closest relatives are tested. Whenever possible, both parents should be tested.
What happens to my results?
A copy of the report is sent to those parties listed on the Report Distribution section of the registration form. No one will receive a copy of the results unless they are listed on this form. If you require a copy of the report to be sent to the British High Commission/Embassy, you must include those details.
Will the Home Office/Immigration Authorities accept my results?
Cellmark produces DNA test results which have been accepted as evidence of claimed relationships by UK courts of law since 1987, but no testing company can guarantee that an application made to the Embassy will be accepted.
Is customer service available in other languages?
Members of our Cellmark's staff speak a range of languages in addition to English, such as Urdu, Hindi, Cantonese, French, and many other Asian, African and European languages. When contacting the Customer Services Department on 08000 362 522, please state which language you prefer to speak and they will do their best to find someone to assist you.
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.
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