Frequently Asked Questions

Our DNA tests work by looking at 23 specific parts of DNA called markers. Within each of these markers are different lengths of repeating DNA. These lengths vary from person to person and are inherited from your parents. By looking at these repeating lengths, it is possible to determine whether you are related to another tested individual, for example, a DNA Paternity Test determines if a man is the biological father of a child.

We produce our standard reports within 1-2 working days from when we receive all of the samples in our laboratory. Should you require a faster turnaround time please call our Customer Service Team on 0191 233 1414 to enquire.

It is important to note:

We send out our testing kits the same day if they are ordered on a working day before 3pm and the following working day if they are ordered after 3pm.  How long they take to be delivered is dependent upon where you live (UK or overseas) and the delivery method you select when ordering.

We cannot start the testing process until all samples and accompanying documentation are received from every person taking part in the test.

Our turnaround time once all samples are received is 1-2 working days dependent upon the service selected.

Our working days are Monday – Friday excluding UK (England and Wales) Bank holidays.

NorthGene™ test the samples with all of the information we have been provided with. When you receive your report, your result will either come back with a conclusive result or will be deemed as inconclusive. For Paternity Testing, a positive result is with a 99.99% probability of paternity. A 0.00% result means that the person providing the sample has been excluded of being the father of the child.

For further details please contact our Customer Services Team on 0191 2331414.

Samples are collected differently depending on the type of test you choose.

For our peace of mind tests, you are able to take the sample in the comfort of your own home. Once all the samples have been taken, they can be returned to us in the prepaid return tamper-proof bag that was included with your kit. We do recommend taking the samples in front of the other participants for everyone’s peace of mind.

For our legal or immigration tests, the samples must be collected by an independent 3^rd party. Typically, we arrange for one of our sample collectors to visit the home or solicitor’s address to take the samples. The sample collection kits can also be sent to a doctor such as your GP. During the appointment, the collector will take a photo of the donor (or sign a photo brought with you) and send this to us.

Sampling Procedure

Complete all sections of the Sample Consent Form then date and sign where indicated.

For each person being tested fill out all of the details on a Sample Collection Envelope (in BLOCK CAPITALS).

To take a DNA sample, open one of the packets containing two swabs and take out a single swab.

Rub and rotate the swab firmly against the inside of the persons cheek for 20 seconds, making sure to collect the cells and not just the saliva.

Put the first swab back into the packet then take out the second swab. Repeat step 4 then put the second swab back into the packet with the first swab.

Put the swab packet into the labelled Sample Collection Envelope for the person being tested and seal securely.

For each person being tested, repeat steps 3 to 6 (remember we need two swab samples for each person).

Put the Form and all the sealed Sample Collection Envelopes in the prepaid / pre-addressed tamper proof bag and return to NorthGene.

A child inherits half their DNA from each parent and therefore every genetic marker in the child’s DNA should be present in either the mother or the father.

When carrying out a paternity test, the DNA of the child and the possible father are compared using the latest DNA analysis technology. Where possible, our laboratory team compare the child’s DNA to the mother initially and remove the DNA that she has passed onto the child. Therefore, what remains at this stage could only have come from the child’s biological father and if this matches our tested male, we then calculate the probability of paternity.

We can also test without using the mother’s DNA when necessary.

Yes, NorthGene™ 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, for legal and immigration purposes.

NorthGene™ is committed to providing an exceptional high-quality service throughout our testing portfolio and our ISO and Ministry of Justice accreditations are testament to this. A strict chain of custody is followed throughout the sample taking and testing process to ensure accurate results at all times.

NorthGene™ 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. This is a requirement of anyone carrying out a test for the UK Home Office. We cannot however guarantee any acceptance of visa or passport applications.

For legal and immigration purposes, two passport sized photographs and the signatures of each person being tested must be presented at the sampling appointment. These can be used to confirm the identity of the person(s) being tested and are sent with the samples to NorthGene™.

For peace of mind DNA tests, the completion of a consent form is required.

The use of mouth swabs means that testing can be performed on a child of any age after birth.

Yes, we offer a non-invasive prenatal paternity test. Find out more here.

If a child is under the age of 16, someone with parental responsibility must sign on their behalf. If someone other than the mother is named on the birth certificate or named as having parental responsibility on a legal court document, they are also able to sign on the child’s behalf.

If the child is over the age of 16, they are legally able to provide consent for themselves.

No. Every adult involved in the DNA testing process must give their consent. “It may be a criminal offence under section 45 of the Human Tissue Act 2004 to carry out testing on a sample taken from someone without their knowledge or consent. This offence carries a penalty of up to three years imprisonment or a fine or both.”

NorthGene™ laboratories are accredited to ISO 17025 and we are accredited by the Ministry of Justice as a body that may carry out parentage tests (otherwise called DNA Testing or Paternity Testing) as directed by the civil courts in England and Wales under section 20 of the Family Law Reform Act 1969 and we also adhere to the Human Genetics Commissions “Common Framework of Principles on DNA testing”.

In certain circumstances it may be possible to assess more complex relationships such as avuncular or grandparentage testing. For more information please contact our Customer Services Team on 0191 233 1414.

You can register for your Paternity Test online here. If you would prefer to register by phone or email please contact our Customer Services Team on 0191 233 1414 or email northgene@biofortuna.com to start the process.

All samples are sent to our laboratories in tamper-evident packaging, if any tampering is evident the samples will be rejected. Once testing is complete and you have received the test results, your DNA sample is stored securely for 6 months after which time it is destroyed. Please let us know if you require the sample to be destroyed immediately after use.

If you have any questions about the results themselves please get in touch with a member of our Customer Service Team on 0191 233 1414 who will be happy to try and help where possible.