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.
Blood on Filter paper£55 90% or higher
Semen£55 90% or higher
Blood stain on fabric£55 60-90%
Fingernail/nail Clippings£55 60-90%
Tissue (muscles, organs); non-embalmed£110 60-90%
Ear Swab£55 60-90%
Umbilical Cord£55 60-90%
Semen stain on fabric£55 60-90%
Hair with roots£55 60% or less
Razor (Electric, Disposable)£55 60% or less
Cigarette butts£55 60% or less
Chewing gum£55 60% or less
Mucus£55 60% or less
Condom£55 60% or less
Toothbrush£55 60% or less
Soda can / drinking glass / plastic container£55 60% or less
Tampon/Feminine Pad£55 60% or less
Drinking straw£55 60% or less
Envelope flaps£55 60% or less
Bones from exhumed bodyPOA N/A
ToothPOA N/A
BonePOA N/A
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.