Paternity for Life understands that it is not always possible to collect a sample using our standard mouth swab collection kit. Therefore, we offer our clients the alternative option of DNA testing using a non-standard sample, although we do always recommend when possible to use our standard mouth swab collection kit to ensure a successful result is obtained.
Please keep in mind that as we cannot verify the identity of the person whom supplies the sample all non-standard testing is for peace of mind only and is not legally admissible in a court of law. Testing of non-standard samples is carried out in an ISO 17025 accredited laboratory, once we have successfully obtained a full DNA profile Paternity for Life can provide proof of parentage that is up to 99.99% accurate.
| Sample Type | Requirements | Success Rate | Price (per sample)* |
|---|---|---|---|
| Blood | Minimum 5 mL in a pathology tube or on FTA card | ~99% | £50 |
| Fingernails | Minimum 5 pieces of recent nail clippings | ~90% | £50 |
| Hair | Minimum 5 strands of hair with follicle attached | ~95% | £50 |
| Buccal Swab | Minimum 2 swabs | ~85% | £50 |
| Blood Stain | Minimum 2 spots. Each spot is to be a minimum of 3cm x 3cm | Paternity for Life do not recommend this sample due to low concentration and high chance of contamination. | £50 |
| Semen Stain | Minimum 2 spots. Each spot is to be a minimum of 3cm x 3cm | Paternity for Life do not recommend this sample due to low concentration and high chance of contamination. | £50 |
| Other | Please contact us to discuss other samples requirements and costs. We cannot guarantee testing on any samples not listed above. | ||
*Please note the cost for testing using a non-standard sample is additional to the cost of a Home Paternity DNA Test. If you would like to submit both persons samples using a non-standard sample please note you will need to select ‘Non-Standard Sample’ x 2 when submitting your application.
1. Will you be able to extract DNA from my sample?
For a higher probability of successfully obtaining a single profile and extracting DNA from a non-standard sample we recommend that you submit a sample mentioned in the table above.
Whilst we will use our most sensitive methods in an attempt to obtain results, we cannot guarantee that a non-standard sample will contain enough viable DNA or that a DNA profile will be successfully obtained. Paternity for Life always recommends, when possible, to collect samples using our standard mouth swab kit.
2. Has anyone else come into contact with the sample?
It is important to consider if the sample may have come into contact with anyone else other than the person being tested. We often find non-standard samples are contaminated, and the source of the sample cannot always be verified.
For instance, if you are planning to submit a hair sample, we recommend that fresh hair strands with the follicle attached are obtained, rather than hair strands that you may find on a hairbrush, as there is a possibility that the hairbrush may have been used by other people and the hair strand may not contain a follicle.
3. How do I avoid accidental contamination when collecting the sample?
Paternity for Life recommends to always wear gloves or wash your hands before collecting the sample, and to avoid touching the sample if it is not necessary. It is also important to ensure that the collectors hair is tied back when collecting hair samples, to avoid unintentional contamination.
For non-legal paternity DNA tests, samples can be collected by the individuals to be tested themselves at home. Paternity for Life uses mouth swabs, to simply and painlessly collect a DNA sample from the inside of your cheek. If you are collecting a non-standard sample, your kit will contain a biohazard bag for the sample to be sealed in once collected. DNA testing can be performed without a sample from the mother – we only require a sample from the alleged father and child for a non-legal paternity DNA test.
Upon receiving your application and payment, Paternity for Life will send a collection kit to your nominated address. This kit will contain everything you need to collect the samples, along with clear instructions on how to do so. Once the samples have been collected, they are then returned to us in the supplied return envelope.
Results will be available within 7 working days (turnaround time is dependent on the non-standard sample provided, as some samples may be more difficult to extract DNA from), from when we receive your samples at our laboratory. Results will only be sent to the parties being tested (or their legal guardian), to the email addresses provided at time of sample collection. A hard copy of your results can also be arranged (additional fees apply). Results can also be emailed to third parties, such as lawyers, where written consent is given by the parties being tested.
Paternity for Life will make every attempt to obtain a result from the samples that are submitted. However, due to the nature of Non-Standard Samples, Paternity for Life cannot guarantee that a DNA profile can be successfully obtain from these samples and the success rate noted above is a guideline only. Payment is requiring prior to submitting samples and no refund will be provided in the event a result cannot be obtained.
Paternity for Life always recommends that when submitting a sample for testing, it is collected using our specialised mouth swab collection kit.
Consent must be given by each person being tested and by a parent or guardian of the child if under 18. The person submitting the non-standard sample accepts full responsibility for submitting these samples and purchasing this DNA test from Paternity for Life. DNA testing will not be performed unless all parties have consented.
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