Fully Accredited Service
Trusted by legal professionals, immigration authorities and families across the UK
NorthGene™ operates to the highest recognised standards in DNA testing, giving out customers complete confidence in every result we provide.
Choosing an accredited laboratory means your results are produced under independently assessed quality standards, ensuring they are accurate, confidential and suitable for their intended purpose.
At NorthGene™, quality, accuracy and trust are at the heart of everything we do.
Every sample we process follows strict chain of custody procedures, robust quality controls and fully validated laboratory processes to ensure confidential, accurate and legally defensible results.
Our Accreditations
UKAS accredited to ISO 17025 for DNA testing, demonstrating competence, validated methods and a commitment to accurate results.
Ministry of Justice approved to provide legal DNA testing in England and Wales, meeting the strict evidential standards for court proceedings and legal matters.
Approved by the UK Home Office for immigration and official applications, with trusted identity verification and dependable reporting throughout.
Approved to provide DNA testing that supports visa and immigration applications, helping applicants meet documentary requirements.
Licenced by the Human Tissue Authority for the storage and testing of human tissue, ensuring samples are handled safely and ethically.
These accreditations and approvals reflect our ongoing commitment to excellence across our entire testing portfolio.
Choosing an accredited laboratory ensures your DNA test is handled to the highest standards of confidentiality, accuracy and complete peace of mind for every client.
Which accreditation applies to my test?
| Service | Relevant accreditation |
| Legal DNA Testing | Ministry of Justice and UKAS ISO 17025 |
| Immigration DNA Testing | UKVA, Home Office and UKAS ISO 17025 |
| Peace of Mind DNA Testing | UKAS ISO 17025 |
| Non-Invasive Prenatal Paternity Testing | UKAS ISO 17025 |
Our Quality Process
Sample Identification
Every sample is uniquely labelled and checked to ensure it can be accurately matched to the correct participant throughout the testing process.
Accredited Analysis
Samples are analysed in our UKAS accredited laboratory using validated methods, calibrated equipment and rigorous quality controls.
Quality Review
Results undergo thorough technical review before being authorised, ensuring every report meets our quality standards.
Secure Results
Results are issued to authorised recipients within a few working days, whether for personal reassurance or official purposes.
Accreditation FAQs
About Accreditation
What is UKAS ISO 17025 accreditation?
UKAS (United Kingdom Accreditation Service) is the UK’s national accreditation body, responsible for independently assessing organisations against internationally recognised standards. ISO 17025 is the internationally recognised standard for testing and calibration laboratories.
UKAS accreditation to ISO 17025 demonstrates that a laboratory has been independently assessed as technically competent, uses validated testing methods and operates under robust quality management systems. This gives you confidence that your DNA test is carried out accurately, reliably and to recognised international standards.
Why is accreditation important for DNA testing?
Accreditation provides independent assurance that a laboratory meets recognised standards for quality, competence and accuracy. It helps ensure DNA tests are carried out using validated methods, appropriate quality controls and secure procedures, giving you confidence in the accuracy and reliability of your results.
Are all DNA testing laboratories UKAS accredited?
No. Not every DNA testing provider operates within a UKAS accredited laboratory. Before choosing a provider, it’s important to check whether the laboratory holds the appropriate accreditation for the type of DNA test you require. NorthGene™ is one of only a few UK laboratories accredited by UKAS to ISO 17025 for family relationship DNA testing.
How can I check if a DNA testing laboratory is accredited?
You can verify a laboratory’s accreditation by searching the UKAS directory or by asking the provider which accreditations they hold and what they apply to. Reputable laboratories, like NorthGene™, will clearly display their accreditation details and explain which services are covered.
Legal and Official Testing
What does Ministry of Justice approval mean?
For legal DNA testing in England and Wales, laboratories and sample collection procedures must meet strict evidential standards. Ministry of Justice approval demonstrates that testing is carried out in accordance with these requirements, helping ensure results can be relied upon for legal proceedings.
Why is Home Office approval important?
For some immigration applications, DNA testing may be used to help demonstrate a biological relationship and streamline the application process. Using a provider experienced in Home Office and UK Visas and Immigration requirements helps ensure your DNA evidence is collected and reported using the appropriate procedures to support your application.
When do I need a legal DNA test instead of a peace of mind test?
If your DNA test will be used for legal or official purposes, such as court proceedings, child maintenance cases, probate, immigration or other applications where verified evidence is required, you will need a legal DNA test. Legal DNA testing follows strict identity verification and chain of custody procedures to ensure the results are suitable for official use.
If you simply want to confirm a biological relationship for your own personal reassurance, a peace of mind DNA test can be completed using samples collected at home and does not require witnessed sample collection or identity verification.
Learn more about the differences between legal and peace of mind DNA testing in our blog. Alternatively, if you’re not sure which test you need, our team will be happy to help you choose the right option.
Quality and Security
What is chain of custody and why is it important?
Chain of custody is the documented process that records how samples are collected, identified, transported and analysed. It helps ensure every sample can be traced throughout the testing process and is essential for DNA tests used for legal or official purposes.
Read our guide on how we maintain a strict chain of custody throughout.
How do laboratory accreditations help ensure accurate DNA test results?
Accreditation requires laboratories to use validated testing methods, maintain calibrated equipment, employ competent staff and operate under robust quality management systems. These independent standards help ensure every DNA test is carried out accurately, reliably and consistently.
How are my DNA samples kept secure?
Protecting your privacy and the integrity of your samples is our priority. Samples are uniquely identified, handled using rigorous laboratory procedures and stored securely in accordance with relevant legislation and quality standards. Your DNA and personal data are processed in the UK under robust UK governance.
Your personal information and DNA test results are treated as confidential and shared only with authorised individuals.
