Questions frequently asked by our clients
The most common questions and answers are listed on this page.
If for any reason you have any other questions, then please do not hesitate to contact our office number at 0191 516 6632 or email us at: sales@dadcheck.com
What is a dadcheck® test?
A dadcheck® DNA test is exactly what it says! We work out whether or not there is a possibility of an individual being the biological father of a particular child. This is also called a paternity test. Each and every one of us is unique. This uniqueness comes from our genetic code, which we have inherited equally from our biological mother and biological father. The dadcheck® paternity test detects the presence of regions of this unique genetic code, which can in turn be used to determine if individuals are related. We analyse your genetic code and the results are displayed as a series of coloured bands. We then look at these bands from both mother and father to see if every band in the child is present in the parents. If so, there is a good chance that the child and parents are biologically related.
Please note, however, that we can also offer a wider range of other genetic testing services – including bespoke assays – and DNA tests including but not limited to, sibling, half-sibling and grand-parentage tests. More information can be found on the dadcheck® website or simply call us on 0191 516 6632 with your specific request. We are experts in DNA analysis and genetic test design and can advise on any number of issues within this dynamic field.
How much does a dadcheck® test cost?
Prices for a dadcheck® paternity test start from £399 exc. VAT. Any additional people to be tested are charged at an extra £149 exc. VAT per person.
Please note: We strongly recommend that the mother of the child is involved in the testing process. This is why we do not offer any reduction in the price if the mother is not tested. We also offer a Premium Express Service (results within either 24hrs or 72hrs) for our clients. Please call on 0191 516 6632 for more details.
How accurate is the dadcheck® paternity test?
A dadcheck® paternity test proves with 100% accuracy if a man is not the father of a child. Conversely, a dadcheck® paternity test proves that a tested man is the father of a child with 99.99% certainty (if the mother is involved in the testing process). Please not that this figure can be reduced if the mother of the tested child does not participate in the test. Analysis using your genetic code is the most accurate way of determining whether or not a biological relationship exists between individuals.
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What is the consent form?
All people providing a sample for a dadcheck® DNA test must give their consent for the test by signing the personalised consent form provided with the sampling kit. Please note however that an individual may withdraw their consent at any time during the testing process. Consideration must also be given to the issue of Gillick Competence when testing older children e.g. 10+years, under the age of 16years. When we send you, your client’s GP or designated sampler the testing kit, we will include consent forms for each party to be tested (which you will have indicated to us on the registration form or by telephone).
You should be aware that it is a serious offence for any of your clients, punishable by imprisonment, to impersonate another body for the purpose of providing a bodily sample or to proffer the wrong child for that purpose.
How long does a dadcheck® DNA test take and how can I track the progress of my case?
From the time we receive the samples, the test will take approximately 5 to10 working days (unless you have opted for either of our Premium Testing Services). To check on the progress of a test, call the dadcheck® case line on 0191 516 6633 and quote your unique case reference number e.g. DCX####, which you will be allocated on confirmation of your order (you will find this in all associated case paperwork). You will be asked a number of security questions for ID purposes before any information relating to the case is shared.
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What is Parental Responsibility (PR)?
Parental Responsibility (PR) means that the person concerned has all of the rights, duties, powers, responsibilities and authority that a parent of a child has by law (as defined in the Children Act 1989).
Where a child’s parents were married to each other at the time of the child’s birth, each parent will have Parental Responsibility for the child.
However, if a child’s parents are not married to each other, the mother shall automatically have Parental Responsibility over the child. Where the parents are not married to each other, the father will acquire Parental Responsibility if he acts with the mother to have his name recorded on the child’s birth registration after 1st December 2003.
An unmarried father will not be able to claim Parental Responsibility unless he acquires it by:
- Obtaining a court order.
- Registering a legally written agreement subject to the mother’s consent.
- Marriage to the child’s mother.
- Being granted a residence order.
- Having his name on the child’s birth certificate (for births registered after December 2003).
People other than parents may acquire Parental Responsibility by appointment as a guardian or by an order of the court.
What about a dadcheck® test involving only one parent?
The dadcheck® paternity test is conclusive if we can test all three of the child, mother and alleged father. A test without a sample from the mother will not provide the same degree of certainty as a test with samples from both parents. The written consent of the legal guardian of the child is ESSENTIAL for a dadcheck® paternity test on a child under 16 years of age.
A consent form will be included in the pack we send to you and MUST be correctly filled in and returned to us BEFORE we undertake any testing on your client’s behalf.
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Does sampling hurt?
No. In most cases the sample will be taken by gently rubbing a soft swab around the inside of the mouth. Full instructions are included in the dadcheck® sample collection kit. The procedure is simple and painless and can be used on very young children and babies. If you are unsure and would like some guidance then please feel free to contact us on 0191 516 6633 and one of our trained samplers will be happy to talk you through the process.
How are sample donors identified at the time of sampling?
The donor must provide two passport-size photographs and the person taking the sample, ‘the sampler’, must sign them on the back, certifying that the sample has been taken from the person in the photograph. If at a later date, there is any debate over the identity of the person who donated a sample for testing, then one of the photographs and a copy of the donor’s consent form may be provided to the disputing party/organisation concerned for clarification e.g. for legal/court cases or immigration. Please note that is NOT necessary for all individuals who are giving a sample to all be present together at the same sampling venue at the same time or indeed to be in the same place for sampling. However, at the time of sampling, a child who is under sixteen MUST be accompanied by the person with Parental Responsibility, as indicated on the consent form.
What if a close relative is the suspected father? Can a dadcheck® paternity test still identify the father?
Yes but the test is more complicated. If you suspect a close male relative may be one of the alleged fathers, then PLEASE indicate this to us when we discuss the case. In such cases we will probably have to test additional genetic markers but we will do this at no additional cost to your client.
What will the dadcheck® paternity report say?
All adult parties taking part in the test are entitled to receive their own copy of the test report. All original reports are sent to the contracting party for distribution. The reports are in a standardised format, which complies with relevant legislation* and either excludes the alleged father or provides evidence that he is indeed the tested child’s biological parent.
If the dadcheck® paternity test is negative (that is, the tested man is not the child’s biological father), the report will say:
‘Based on the analysis of 10 independent autosomal DNA markers (SGM Plus), Mr Hugh Izzit has been excluded as the biological father of Teresa Green because greater than two of Mr Hugh Izzit’s DNA components are absent from the DNA profile of Teresa Green. In summary, Mr Hugh Izzit is not the biological father of the child, Teresa Green’.
If the dadcheck® paternity test is positive (that is, the tested man is likely to be the father), the report will say:
The probability of paternity is 99.99% (assuming equal prior odds) based on the analysis of 10 independent DNA markers (using SGM Plus). Hence the alleged father, Mr Hugh Izzit, cannot be excluded as the biological father of Teresa Green.
The DNA results are ‘X’** thousand times more likely if Mr Hugh Izzit rather than an unrelated male is the biological father of Teresa Green. In summary it is more than 99% likely that the alleged father Mr Hugh Izzit, is the biological father of Teresa Green’.
* The Family Law Reform Act 1969 as amended by The Family Law Reform Act 1987 and The Family Law Reform Act 1987 (commencement No.3) order 2001 and The Children Act 1989.
**The value of 'X' will vary between cases but will usually exceed 50,000.
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How do I get the results of my dadcheck® paternity test?
By law, all adults (16 years and over) who have provided a sample for a dadcheck® test are entitled to receive a written results report - this also includes the person who has Parental Responsibility for the child even if they have not taken part directly in the testing themselves. Please note, we shall only deal in additional correspondence with the contracting party, unless we receive their permission to enter into correspondence with those other parties involved in the test case.
Results will be dispatched by first class post (or courier if you require it – extra charges will need apply)
What happens to the results?
After we have sent out the DNA test reports, we store your client’s DNA samples for three months. After this period, they are taken away for incineration (destruction). All associated case paperwork and records are kept for one year and then destroyed. We are registered under the 1998 Data Protection Act. You can find more information about how we protect your client’s privacy by reading our privacy policy.
How sure am I that the samples have not been mixed up?
dadcheck® uses all reasonable precautions to make sure that samples received for testing cannot be mixed up. Our team of highly skilled and qualified scientists adhere to strict laboratory requirements of internationally recognised quality standards, ISO 17025 (an accreditation for testing and calibration laboratories) and BS EN ISO9001:2008. Included in this is the requirement for all work to be witnessed and double-checked by a second competent member of scientific staff. We have every confidence in our team and supporting Quality Management System and as such are happy to repeat any test case (performed by dadcheck®) free of charge, should your client require confirmation of the original test results.
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