Frequently Asked Questions

A DNA paternity test is a conclusive scientific way to determine 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.What is a paternity test? A DNA paternity test is a conclusive scientific way to determine 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.

A simple mouth swab is used to collect a small DNA sample from the alleged father and from the child (and preferably the mother) and the samples are then sent to Swafort's specialist DNA laboratory for testing and analysis.

The same type of DNA testing can be used to establish other relationships such as maternity, sibling (brother or sister), uncle/aunt or grandparent relationships.

DNA testing works by detecting certain parts, or 'markers' in the DNA molecule that are known to vary greatly between people who are unrelated, but are shared by people who are related. Our laboratory uses a 22 marker test (one of the markers is only found in males, and another is used to determine biological sex) to compare the DNA from the people being tested and to assess their biological relationship.

The original DNA techniques for paternity testing were developed by Professor Sir Alec Jeffreys at the University of Leicester in 1984. Using this technology our laboratory became theworld's leading DNA paternity testing company in 1995. Today the technology has evolved allowing us to provide quicker, cheaper paternity tests but still with the same high levels of certainty that only DNA testing can provide.

The DNA process used today is called Short Tandem Repeat (STR) profiling, a highly sensitive process that was originally developed for forensic analysis. DNA is extracted from each mouth swab in our laboratory and the STR markers are then detected and measured. A DNA profile is the combined result of multiple STR markers. The DNA profile is shown in the test report as a series of numbers, which represent the size of the individual STR markers that have been tested.

A child inherits half of its DNA from each parent. Our scientists will compare the STR markers in the child’s profile with the alleged parent(s) to determine if they are related. Testing will either exclude the man from paternity with 100% certainty, or will provide a probability of paternity which is usually in excess of 99.9999% (if the child’s mother is included in the test).

When carrying out a paternity test, including a sample from the mother (as well as from the child and alleged father) will always provide a more conclusive result.

Swanfort’s Home paternity test is priced from £99. Home DNA testing kits can be ordered from www.dna-at-home.co.uk.

Our legal testing division, DNA Diagnostic Centre, also provides Court Approved (also known as Legal) DNA testing. Prices for each relationship test are provided on the www.dnacentre.co.uk website via the homepage. A standard Court Approved paternity test, including the father, mother and child is £365 (excluding sampling fees). Please call DDC customer service for Court Approved and Immigration testing. 020 3301 7346.

Yes. All Swanfort Home DNA kits are mailed out inside a non-branded envelope, there is no mention of Swanfort or DNA at Home on the envelope and it will be labelled ‘Private and Confidential’.

The DNA testing kit contains:

• Clear instructions about how to take the DNA samples

• A mouth swab for each person to be tested

• A simple consent form for each person, requiring a signature.

• A return prepaid envelope

Detailed instructions are provided with the kit, but in summary it is very easy to take the DNA samples:

First complete a simple consent form for each person being tested.

Then write the name and date of birth for each person on the swab envelope.

Next, swab each person inside their mouth to collect cells and DNA. Rub each swab on the inside of the cheeks for ten seconds.

Place all the swabs for each tested party in their individual swab envelope and seal. Place the swab envelopes and the consent form in the return envelope and seal.

Finally, post to return to our laboratory.

No, once a swab has been taken and placed in the sealed swab envelope, it can be stored at room temperature until the other samples are taken.

Swanfort provides a 3-7 working day DNA service.

This means that once all DNA samples for your test have arrived at our laboratory, we aim to send your result by email within 3-7 working days.

Please note that DNA testing is a complex laboratory process and very occasionally a test may take a little longer, but we are committed to getting the result to you as quickly as possible.

We have a team of friendly advisers who are experienced at discussing confidential matters – one of the team will be pleased to answer any questions you have about our DNA testing service. Call our customer services team free on 0800 009 2971 Monday to Friday 8.30am - 6.00pm: we have extended opening hours to help ensure that you can speak to someone at Swanfort.