DNA Paternity Testing

Whether you are seeking to establish paternity, or perhaps even research your family history, Home Health UK Ltd and DDC DNA Diagnostics Centre have joined together to provide a range of tests to suit every need.

We are able to offer you the following DNA Tests:-

Peace of Mind Tests
Accuracy 99.996%
A 5 – 7 Working Day Service
Peace of mind tests have been developed for individuals that may doubt if they are the father of a child. The mother’s DNA Sample is not needed to to perform this test. These tests are low cost, accurate, confidential, pain free and only require DNA Samples and signature. With our simple to follow instructions you will easily be abel to collect the samples in the comfort of your own home and then send them of the be analysed in our accredited laboratory.

Test Accuracy

With 99.9996% accuracy our tests will provide indisputable answers to some of the most sensitive and personal issues, all handled professionally and with absolute confidentiality.

Professional

Our customer service advisors can assist you with every step of the process, whether it be answering questions about the type of tests and methods of sample collection, or providing you with advice and support once the results are received. We aim to make this as simple and stress-free as possible.

Easy and Painless Sample Collection

Sample collection is easy and painless using mouth swabs to collect cells from inside the cheek and requires no needles or blood tests.

Questions and Answers

Question and Answers section provides answers to the most common questions on the subject of DNA testing and it’s related issues. If you still have further questions or would just like to speak to someone in confidence, please do not hesitate to contact us on 01923 711 511.

About DDC DNA Diagnostics Centre?

DDC DNA Diagnostics Centre has been consistently serving people for over 15 years, operating across America offering free, online, multi-lingual support 24 hours per day, 7 days per week.  Strongly devoted to research and development, DDC DNA Diagnostics Centre guarantees hi-tech DNA testing procedures, employing experienced DNA analysts.

DDC DNA Diagnostics Centre maintains close relationships with various laboratories around the world we can ensure that we are providing the best possible service to our clients.

Here are just a few reasons to choose Home Health UK Ltd for your DNA testing needs:

DDC DNA Diagnostics Centre is one of the most experienced and innovative DNA testing laboratories in the world.Our innovations and DNA tests are constantly copied by other labs, yet only DDC DNA Diagnostics Centre tests 16 regions of DNA in each person.

Our partner complies with the Department of Health’s Code of Practice and Guidance on Genetic Paternity Testing Services.

Being an international company means we are able to offer a 24-hour service to our clients; one of our trained customer service advisors is always on call.

Our testing laboratories are ISO17025 accredited.

Help and FAQ’s

This section is provided to answer frequently asked questions about DNA tests and paternity testing, as well as providing general information about our services:

DNA, or deoxyribonucleic acid, is the hereditary material in humans and almost all other organisms. Nearly every cell in a person’s body has the same DNA. Most DNA is located in the cell nucleus (where it is called nuclear DNA), but a small amount of DNA can also be found in the mitochondria (where it is called mitochondrial DNA or mtDNA).

Human DNA consists of about 3 billion bases, and more than 99 percent of those bases are the same in all people. The order, or sequence, of these bases determines the information available for building and maintaining an organism, similar to the way in which letters of the alphabet appear in a certain order to form words and sentences.

DNA bases pair up with each other, A with T and C with G, to form units called base pairs. The structure of the double helix is somewhat like a ladder, with the base pairs forming the ladder’s rungs and the sugar and phosphate molecules forming the vertical sidepieces of the ladder.

An important property of DNA is that it can replicate, or make copies of itself. Each strand of DNA in the double helix can serve as a pattern for duplicating the sequence of bases. This is critical when cells divide because each new cell needs to have an exact copy of the DNA present in the old cell.

How does a Paternity Test work?
DNA is taken from the sample or blood, cheek cells, or cultured cells. Enzymes are used to cut the DNA sample in fragments which are placed into a gel matrix. An electric current is used to drive the fragments across the gel, making the smallest fragments move the farthest and the larger fragments move the shortest distance. The separated DNA fragments are transferred to a nylon membrane. This membrane is exposed to a labeled DNA probe (a short piece of customized DNA that recognizes and binds to a unique segment of the tested person’s DNA). The nylon membrane is then placed against a film which, after it is developed, reveals black bands where the probes are bound to the DNA. The child’s visible band pattern is unique, with half matching the mother and half matching the father.

The process is repeated several times with different probes, each identifying a different DNA area and producing a distinct pattern. Using several probes creates a greater than 99.9% certainty about paternity or identity.

The cheek, saliva or hair samples are taken to our laboratory where they are treated in order to release the DNA coding from the cells. The DNA is then introduced to an enzyme that duplicates the DNA, producing millions of copies ready for analysis.

The DNA profile is made up of STR (Short Tandem Repeat) markers. As a child inherits half of his or her DNA from each parent, every STR marker in the child’s profile should be present in either the mother’s or father’s DNA. Our laboratory will test at least 16 STR markers to determine paternity.

The process is repeated several times with different probes, each identifying a different DNA area and producing a distinct pattern. Using several probes creates a greater than 99.9% certainty about paternity or identity.

What is the difference between a Court Approved and a Peace of Mind DNA test?
There is no difference in the analysis carried out by our laboratory or the accuracy of the results. The only difference is that with the court approved DNA test, you will need to attend an appointment so that your identity can be verified and it can be confirmed that the samples have been taken from the person shown in the photographs that will accompany the samples. Each applicant will be asked to provide 2 passport-sized photographs and bring two forms of identification (passport or driving licence and utility bill or proof of address).

This is to satisfy the court that each sample has been taken from the correct person.

Please contact us on 01923 711 511 if you require a court approved DNA test.

At what age can a child be tested?
DNA paternity testing can be performed at any age and a child can be safely tested at any age after birth.

Is the kit easy to use?
Yes. With our simple easy step by step instructions, the collection of the sample will be painless and should take no longer than a couple of minutes per person.

How are the DNA samples taken?
DNA samples are taken by using the mouth swabs that we provide to gently rub the inside of the mouth to collect a sample of cheek cells. These swabs are then placed inside individual envelopes which are sealed and marked with the relevant applicant’s details.

Will I need to see a doctor or other professional?
No. The test kit is very simple to do in your own home. The only time a doctor would need to get involved, would be for court approved testing. Self-collection would not be acceptable for a court approved test. Please contact us on 01923 711 511 if you require a court approved DNA test.

How do I know that I’m collecting my samples correctly?
The kit is very easy to use and we provide simple, step-by-step instructions for collecting cheek cell samples using the mouth swabs provided. If you follow the instructions carefully, there is no need for you to be concerned with making mistakes. Our concerns are ensuring that you collect sufficient cells for testing; you collect a sample from the appropriate person; and you label the samples correctly.

Is the test confidential?
Absolutely. DDC ensure complete discretion and client confidentiality. Results will only be released to the person specified. All client files are password protected. All packaging is discrete and patient information is never used for any purpose other than for the DNA test requested.

How can I keep the testing discrete?
All our kits are sent out in the post in plain envelopes marked Private & Confidential and with no branding on them, so it will look like a normal letter. When your results are complete you can choose how you wish to receive them: by email or letter. We ask that you supply a password with your samples to ensure confidentiality.

What is a mouth swab, and is it as accurate as blood?
A mouth swab looks like a long cotton wool bud. It is used to collect cheek cells from the inside of your mouth. DNA is consistent throughout the body, so the DNA in cheeks cells is identical to the DNA in blood cells. The mouth swab allows for

Are the results conclusive?
YES. When the DNA from a child and alleged father is tested, the results report provided by our laboratory will show conclusively whether or not there is a paternal relationship. If there is a paternal relationship the accuracy would be in excess of 99.996%

Does the mother need to be tested to achieve an accurate result?
No. Motherless testing is a very common procedure. Without a sample from the mother, testing is done by comparing the DNA of the child to that of the alleged father.

Can a relationship between an alleged father and a child be established without a DNA sample from the father?
Yes. If only the child and a relative of the alleged father are tested the results are not conclusive but can be strongly indicative. If the mothers DNA sample is also available, the results will be more conclusive.

What if the two alleged fathers are related?
If possible, it is best to test both alleged fathers, especially if they are related, so that one can be excluded. If only one alleged father is available then you must make us aware that two alleged fathers are related when you place your order so we can carry out additional analysis.

Will the results of my DNA test be recognised legally?
If you want to use the results of the DNA test in a legal manner it is vital that the sample is collected by a medically qualified professional.

How long will it take to receive my DNA test results?
The results will normally be available 5 – 7 working days from the time that the samples are received by our laboratory.

What about confidentiality of data?
All data will be treated with strict confidence and will not be passed on to third parties. DNA Solutions complies with the Data Protection Act 1988. Please click here to view our Privacy Statement.

Can I order a DNA kit if I live outside the UK?
Yes, we can send a DNA sample collection kit to any country worldwide. Please select the correct postage fee when confirming your order. If you require delivery by courier or any other method, please contact us on 01923 711 511 as there may be extra costs.

What if I have more questions about DNA testing?
You may contact us by email: dna@homehealth-uk.com or call one of our Customer Service Advisors on 01923 711 511.