Help & FAQs

YES. When the DNA from a child and alleged father is tested, the results report provided by the 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 99.9%

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

No. The DNA markers for paternity tests are in different locations than those for diseases. Consequently we cannot tell if a person has a disease or is a carrier of hereditary diseases using the information from this test.

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 test results will be more conclusive.

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 as there may be extra costs.

Yes, a DNA test can be easily conducted if the parties to be tested are in different cities or even in different countries. We give each DNA sample collection kit a unique case reference number. If the parties to be tested live in different cities or countries, DNA sample collection kits with the same unique case reference number will be sent directly to each party. After collection, each individual can return their DNA samples to us. The DNA samples will be correctly matched at the laboratory for each case using the unique case reference number. A “split kit” for two different addresses can be ordered online or by phone. When ordering online, simply state that you require a “split kit” in the comments box of the order form and enter the additional name and address.

It is entirely up to you whether you want to (or are able to) provide this information, however it will increase the accuracy of the paternity test slightly. If this data is not provided, we will simply use the lowest Index value for each loci, which will generally still produce a result with accuracy in excess of 99.99%

No. Motherless testing is a very common procedure. Without a DNA sample from the mother, testing is done by comparing the DNA of the child to that of the alleged father.

It is widely accepted that cheek cells are the most accessible voluntary sample tissue. However, human DNA can be extracted from most body fluids or tissue (blood, semen, hair etc). Furthermore DNA can be extracted from any item that is contaminated by body fluids such as chewing gum, cigarette butts or sanitary towels. Please click here for a list of alternative DNA sources or contact us for more information

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. Collecting the DNA sample is completely painless and will only take minutes to complete

All our DNA sampling 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 DNA test 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

If the child was born from 1st December 2003 onwards then new changes in the law mean unmarried fathers get equal parental responsibility. All you have to do is for both parents to register the birth of your baby together. If your child was born before this date then you can only gain parental responsibility by being married to or marrying the child’s mother, signing an official agreement with the mother or obtaining a court order.

The DNA sampling 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 DNA samples correctly.

Samples for a non invasive test are via medical blood draws from mother and alleged father.

You will need to fix your appointment for the blood draw and return your blood samples, ideally on the same day as your blood draw. You may ask any doctor to collect your blood samples or find a person who specializes in collecting blood samples (a certified phlebotomy technician).

DNA paternity testing identifies the unique genetic profile of each individual being tested. The genetic profile of a child is inherited partly from the father and partly from the mother. By comparing the child’s genetic profile with that of the alleged father, a DNA Paternity Test determines whether or not this person is the true biological father

The cheek cell samples are taken to the  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. The laboratory will test at least 16 STR markers to determine paternity.

As part of our commitment to accuracy, all our DNA tests are run twice and the results double-checked.

The DNA should last up to 3 months from the time you took the samples, provided you followed our instructions and they are kept dry and at room temperature

The shelf life of the DNA testing kit is 4 years. This means that even if you are unable to use the DNA kit right away, the unopened swabs can be used up to 4 years from the date that you first received it. Once the DNA sample is collected, the samples should last for up to 3 months at room temperature. Most clients return their DNA samples to us for testing as soon as they have completed collecting them. However, even if you are unable to return the samples right away, they are good for DNA testing for up to 3 months after the collection.

The DNA test results will normally be available 5 working days from the time that the samples are received by the laboratory. We provide a ‘Rush Processing’ service for clients who require their results more quickly, please contact us for more information.

As we offer a large variety of DNA tests, the turnaround times for different tests will vary. We recommend checking individual test pages for more information or contacting our customer service team if the information is unavailable.

The price depends on the DNA test you are selecting; refer to our DNA Tests & Prices page and select the test you require. Click on the checkout button when you have made your selection and follow the instructions.

Absolutely. Who’zTheDaddy? ensure complete discretion and client confidentiality. DNA test 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

Yes. The DNA sample collection kit comes complete with step-by-step instructions for quick and easy cheek cell collection using the mouth swabs provided. DNA sample collection should take only a few minutes per person and is completely safe and painless

All data will be treated with strict confidence and will not be passed on to third parties. Who’zTheDaddy? complies with the Data Protection Act 1988. Please click here to view our Privacy Statement

To receive your DNA sample collection kit either:

• Select the test you require from our DNA Tests & Prices page and proceed to the checkout;
• Email [email protected];
• or call our Customer Services Advisors on 0800 840 1134

We provide 2 mouth swabs per applicant and labelled envelopes to place each DNA sample in after collection. Also included are step-by-step instructions on how to collect the DNA samples and a registration & consent form.

You may contact us by email: [email protected] or call one of our Customer Service Advisors on 0800 840 1134.

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 DNA analysis. Please contact us for more information.

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 cheek cells is identical to the DNA in blood cells. The mouth swab allows for non-invasive and painless collection of DNA samples.

Each person providing a sample for a DNA test must give their consent for the test to be carried out. Consent is required from each person being tested before a DNA sample can be taken. In the case of minors, individuals suffering from a mental disorder or those who are not in a position to give their own consent, a legal guardian or a person having parental responsibility for the individual must consent.

It is a serious offence, punishable by imprisonment, to impersonate another person for the purpose of providing a DNA sample or to submit the wrong child for that purpose.

There is no difference in the analysis carried out by the laboratory or the accuracy of the test 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) to the appointment.

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

Please contact us if you require a court approved DNA test.

There are several DNA paternity testing companies offering what look like very cheap tests, however, NOT ALL PATERNITY TESTS ARE OF EQUAL QUALITY. To avoid getting an incorrect result from your test which could have devastating consequences, always ensure that the DNA testing company is fully accredited, preferably by international accreditation bodies such as the AABB and ISO17025. The International Organization for Standardization (ISO) 17025 is the world standard in the certification of competence of testing and calibration of medical diagnostic laboratories. ISO 17025 certification ensures a high level of competence and compliance for the certified laboratory, ensuring that testing is undertaken by professionals. The American Association of Blood Banks (AABB) also certifies laboratories, and runs an accreditation programme specifically for high competence levels in parentage testing.

All Who’zTheDaddy?’s DNA analysis and DNA testing is carried out at a laboratory accredited by the AABB and accredited in accordance with the recognised International Standard ISO/IEC 17025:2005 by a signatory to the ILAC arrangement. Click here to view the full list of Signatories to the ILAC Mutual Recognition Arrangement which includes The United Kingdom Accreditation Service (UKAS).

We take pride in the quality and integrity of our DNA testing and have a quality assurance programme in place to make sure that all our test results are accurate. This quality assurance programme runs all DNA samples twice and double-checks the results to provide absolute confidence that the test results you receive are correct.

The frequency of a given allele for each of the loci we test generally changes depending on the ethnicity of the parents. Genetic differences between people of Caucasian, African or Asian backgrounds means that we need to calculate the Combined Index slightly differently to take into account their different ethnicity and to provide the most accurate result.

No. Home DNA testing is very simple and conclusive. BUT in order for a test to be acceptable legally (i.e. in a court) there are a number of additional procedures that need to be followed. Self collection would not be acceptable for a court approved DNA test. Please contact us if you require a court approved DNA test.

Yes. The DNA sample collection kits we will supply you with are tamper proof and all test results are stored securely

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 health professional.

The cost of a paternity test is of £78. There are no extra fees.