Forensic DNA testing services

Once the DNA profile is obtained from the forensic sample provided, it can be used for our standard paternity test, as well as for our other range of DNA tests. Please review our list of forensic samples below to obtain more information about the samples you may want to submit. The list also includes the additional cost and the DNA extraction success rate per sample. For further information, visit our Guidelines and Terms HERE

 

IMPORTANT NOTE: Consent and photographic ID from all parties is required in order to perform a test with a non-swab sample. It is a criminal offence to test a person’s DNA without the informed consent of the person from whom the sample came. We cannot process any samples submitted without the full consent and ID of all participants. Please see below for more information about the Human Tissue Act.

Important information on sending Forensic samples

Please note: DNA testing using forensic samples CANNOT be performed in the UK unless the person whose sample is tested gives consent. In the case of minors, you are able to consent on their behalf if you have parental responsibility. This is because of the Human Tissue Act, a law that was put into force in 2006. The Human Tissue Act or HTA regulates the way in which all biological tissue is used. It is, in fact, illegal to collect a DNA sample from anybody without their explicit consent. The HTA refers to this specific form of consent, which forms the fundamental principle of this law, by the words “informed consent”. Informed consent does not only mean “informing” the person from which the biological sample was taken that their sample was in fact collected but the intent must also be made clear. In other words, the person must be fully aware that their sample will be used for a DNA test. Failure to comply with the HTA could result in hefty fines as well as prison sentences. This law applies only to the UK. Please also note that we can only guarantee standard result turnaround time when testing takes place solely using oral swab samples. Using a forensic sample for your test may lead to an increase in turnaround time.

Type of Sample
Price Success Rate

Blood on Filter paper
£55 90% or higher

Also called Whatman, Matrix or Parchment; less than 60 days old. Air-dry and ship in paper envelope.

Semen
£55 90% or higher

Frozen vial (Sperm bank) or fresh swab; Semen on fabric. Ship in paper envelope.

Blood stain on fabric
£55 60-90%

Includes bandages, gauze and facial tissues (Kleenex) or napkins. Air-dry and ship in paper envelope.

Fingernail/nail Clippings
£55 60-90%

Need 5-10 clippings. Ship in paper envelope.

Tissue (muscles, organs); non-embalmed
£110 60-90%

Depends on age and storage conditions; CHAIN ONLY. Request consultation.

Ear Swab
£55 60-90%

Ship in paper envelope.

Umbilical Cord
£55 60-90%

Dried, must have a reference sample from mother. Ship in paper envelope or as preserved.

Semen stain on fabric
£55 60-90%

Area should be indicated on fabric; incl bandages, gauze & tissues or napkins. Air-dry and ship in paper envelope.

Hair with roots
£55 60% or less

Ensure roots are present (7-10 hairs) - shed or cut hair will not work. Ship in paper envelope.

Razor (Electric, Disposable)
£55 60% or less

Send entire blade or disposable razor, debris can be sent in envelope. Ship in paper envelope.

Cigarette butts
£55 60% or less

Depends on type/brand. Ship in paper envelope.

Chewing gum
£55 60% or less

Sugarless preferred. Ship in plastic Zip-Lock bag.

Mucus
£55 60% or less

Facial tissue (Kleenex), napkin or paper towel. Ship in paper envelope.

Condom
£55 60% or less

Depends on storage condition / swab inside of condom. Ship in paper envelope.

Toothbrush
£55 60% or less

Air-dry and ship in paper envelope.

Soda can / drinking glass / plastic container
£55 60% or less

Swab well w/ cotton swab or send in article with area clearly marked. Air-dry and ship in paper envelope.

Tampon/Feminine Pad
£55 60% or less

Air-dry and ship in paper envelope.

Drinking straw
£55 60% or less

Air-dry and ship in paper envelope.

Envelope flaps
£55 60% or less

Depends on age of envelope and how sealed. Request consultation.

Bones from exhumed body
POA N/A

For forensic cases only. Request consultation.

Tooth
POA N/A

Molar, premolar or canine preferred. Ship in paper envelope.

Bone
POA N/A

Femur or humorus bone, 3-4 inches in length use clean blade. Request consultation.

Cost

The cost of every additional forensic sample used is to be added to the standard cost of the test. Kindly always note the success rate. Whilst we do have a very strong track record of successful DNA profile extraction with such samples, we cannot guarantee that the extraction will be successful. We always suggest contacting us as we can tell you more about the chances of success once we have assessed your sample thoroughly.

For more general information about our forensic DNA testing services, please visit our frequently asked questions section HERE.

Human Tissue Act exemptions

There are exemptions whereby the Human Tissue Act no longer is applied. This is when any biological tissue samples were collected before 2006, the year in which the law came into force. There other cases in which the law may not apply but these are exceptional cases; even in cases of tissue from the deceased, informed consent is still required.