DNA Testing

For nearly a decade our laboratory services have specialised in providing professional, accurate and conclusive results for an unrivalled range of accredited DNA and Toxicological analysis.

Under section 20 of the Family Law Reform Act 1969, in civil proceedings, courts have a statutory power to direct a scientific test to ascertain the parentage of a child (but section 20 directions are not given in every case where parentage is an issue). If the court makes such a 'section 20 direction', they must choose a tester from a list of accredited bodies. ScreenSafe UK are certified to ISO9001:2008 and other Quality accreditations, exceeding all UK and international requirements for DNA testing through its ISO17025 accredited laboratory services provided by Eurofins Medigenomix. Eurofins Medigenomix has been accredited by the Ministry of Justice as a body that may carry out parentage tests directed by the civil courts in England and Wales under section 20 of the Family Law Reform Act 1969.

Utilising state of the art facilities our scientific specialists are on hand and able to help with any enquiries, ranging from an individual wanting to determine the paternity of their child, to complex DNA analysis and result interpretation for legal proceedings.

With our customer service team available to help guide you throughout the testing process we guarantee a level of service conducted in the strictest of confidence to the highest standard.

We provide:

  1. Comprehensive customer support package
  2. Fully trained and managed UK nationwide sample collection service
  3. Results available within 10 working days from receipt of sample
  4. A scientific team led by internationally recognised forensic specialists
  5. Competitive pricing policy
  6. ISO 9001 & ISO 17025 accredited DNA testing laboratory services
  7. Analysis carried out at a Ministry of Justice accredited laboratory - "section 20 direction"
  8. Unrivalled range of chemical compounds detected
  9. Free sample collection materials (unless not used)
  10. Free CPD Course (subject to availability)

We can even help social services and the courts to unravel complex relationships and cases of possible abuse and incest. For instance:

Case study:

A mother of three children could not (or would not) disclose the father(s) of her children to Social Services. Of the three children, it was expected that two unrelated males may be the father of two of them. It was questioned who the third child's father was. It was thought that the father may have been related to the mother - either a brother or her father. DNA samples were taken from the mother and the three children. The two unrelated males agreed to also have samples taken. The related males refused to take part.

It was proved that the two unrelated males were in fact fathers to two of the children. Further tests and analysis were done to see if the third child's father could be from a close relative to the mother. Results showed that there was a high percentage chance of this being the case. This enabled Social Services to apply to the court for an Order for the related males to provide DNA samples to be included or excluded from the investigations.

Which test to choose?

"LEGAL" DNA TEST "PEACE OF MIND" DNA TEST
Legal Status Fully Accredited (Legally Admissible Test)
Useful for all legal purposes including child custody and support, insurance, military, adoption, inheritance and immigration rights and benefits. 		Self Collection (Home Test)
Because it is not possible to independently verify the identity of the participants, the results cannot be used for legal purposes.
Specimen Collections and Chain of Custody Performed by our own professional and competent Collection Services, Verifiable proof of identity of all parties must be included following strict chain of custody procedures. Performed at home by the individuals being tested using a "kit" with cheek "buccal" swabs and easy-to-follow instructions.
Accuracy ScreenSafe UK's DNA ScreenSafe UK's DNA laboratory services test each sample twice through two different marker systems looking at a minimum of 20 markers. In addition to verifying the sex of all tested individuals for increased resolution and accuracy of the results. Allowing 100% exclusion confirmation. ScreenSafe UK's DNA laboratory services test 16 markers as standard and verify the sex of all tested individuals to assure you of reliable results. Additionally, we run all exclusions twice to confirm 100% exclusion. ScreenSafe UK's DNA laboratory services test 16 markers as standard and verify the sex of all tested individuals to assure you of reliable results. Additionally, we run all exclusions twice to confirm 100% exclusion.
Report Notarized legal document issued according to ISO 17025 accreditation standards and including full disclosure of test results. Report Includes full disclosure of test results.
Additional Services For an additional fee, affidavits, depositions and courtroom testimony, can be requested. A full-price retest will be required if the results are disputed.

For more information and/or to discuss your case in confidence, then please contact our friendly and professional customer service team on 08450 505590 or via email (enquiries@screensafeuk.co.uk).

DNA Leaflet
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