Additional DNA Testing and Sampling Information

About DNA Testing

DNA samples are usually collected, quickly and painlessly, by simply swabbing the inside of the cheeks with a buccal swab, a special sterile swab like a large Q-Tip. Another method is the "pin-prick" blood sample collection process which uses a small lancet to lightly pierce a finger (most people don’t even feel it). A small drop of blood is then transferred to a collection card. If the blood test is not for you, please select ‘Mouth Swab’ when ordering your DNA test kit.

Each DNA testing kit comes with detailed instructions, mouth swab or blood collection materials for each applicant and a consent form to be completed with information about each applicant providing a DNA sample.

The Home DNA Test Kit is popular because it offers a discrete and private option for families to resolve uncertainties without resorting to legal action. If there is any chance you will need to use the results of your DNA test in court or legal proceedings then you should order our legally binding DNA testing kit. You may also contact us to arrange an appointment for a legal DNA test or legal paternity testing.

Should you have a special case such as a deceased relative, prenatal paternity test, forensic analysis or infidelity case, we are also able to use other tissue or fluid samples. Please email us or call one of our Customer Service Advisors on 0333 300 3130 for more information.

The Difference Between Blood & Mouth Swab Sample Collection

A mouth swab, or buccal swab, is the painless cheek swab test described above. Blood testing is the “pin prick” method described above. Modern DNA analysis methods are quicker and more accurate and can be performed using very small samples of DNA. For this reason blood samples are rarely required for carrying out human identity DNA tests. If you are considering the blood sample option please contact your doctor or health professional to discuss the collection of samples for children younger than 8-years-old.

For more information about how our DNA tests are carried out, court admissibility, or for any other questions, please visit our DNA test information page, email us or call one of our Customer Service Advisors on 0333 300 3130 for more information.

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Legally Binding DNA Testing

In order to be legally binding, DNA tests must be supported by proof of identity for each applicant and a witness must provide chain of custody of the samples collected. We offer legal DNA tests and if you think you may need to use the DNA test results for legal purposes or in court proceedings then you should choose the ‘Legally Binding DNA Test’ option when ordering your DNA kit.

A legally binding DNA test requires a third party witness to oversee sample collection and handling. Full instructions are included in the DNA test kit. The results will be admissible in court (see disclaimer below) if these instructions are followed exactly.

• One (1) unrelated witness with no interest in the outcome of the DNA test is required. This is usually a doctor or health professional.
• The unrelated witness takes the DNA samples or observes the sample collection process in accordance with the instructions provided with the test kit.
• The applicants (sample providers) and the witness must complete and sign the required paperwork as indicated in the instructions.
• Each applicant must provide positive photographic identification
• The witness must sign and date the back of two passport-sized photographs for each applicant.
• The witness must package and seal the completed DNA test kit into the envelope provided.
• The witness must send the sealed envelope, via Recorded Delivery or Special Delivery, to GTL.

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Notes:

Proof of identity includes two, full faced, passport-sized photographs of each applicant together with one of the following :

• Current passport
• Current photo driving licence

Disclaimer: Due to differences between courts, we cannot guarantee that a judge will accept the results of a DNA test as qualified evidence. However, if you complete the test following all instructions exactly, and the witness is available to testify in court as to the administration of the sample collection process, the results should be admissible in a court of law. If you are unsure of the admissibility of this legal DNA test we recommend that you seek legal advice.

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Release of Results

For legally binding DNA tests, one copy of the notarised test results and supporting documentation will be posted to you, or a designated recipient, as per your instructions. Further notarised copies are available at an additional cost of £50 each.

Informational, or peace of mind, test results are available online and can be downloaded and saved or printed. You can follow your order status online and get test results over the internet as soon as they are ready. We do not release results by telephone unless you have made prior arrangements for us to do so. DNA test results can be telephoned, emailed or posted for an additional administration fee, currently £5 for telephone, £10 for email and £15 for first class post.

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Storage of DNA Samples

All samples received for informational, or peace of mind, DNA tests are destroyed immediately after the release of your test results. Should you require your samples to be stored we can arrange for them to be archived for up to 6 months for an additional fee. Please email us or call one of our Customer Service Advisors on 0333 300 3130 if you need us to archive your DNA samples.

All samples received for court admissible or legal DNA tests will be archived for 3 months at no additional cost.