DNA Testing
Court-Compliant DNA Testing You Can Rely On
Whether you are seeking to confirm a paternal link, establish a genetic relationship, or resolve a court dispute, FTS can help bring answers.
We provide accurate, legally defensible and accredited DNA testing. Our testing is carried out to the highest standards and designed to meet the evidential needs of the family court.
We maintain a strict chain of custody throughout sample collection and testing to ensure accuracy and confidentiality. The actual DNA collection procedure only takes about five minutes, keeping disruptions to a minimum.
All testing is conducted at UKAS accredited laboratories, and results are delivered with expert interpretation and full legal documentation.
Types of DNA Testing
We provide a range of relationship testing services tailored to family law cases.
Paternity Testing
Determines whether an individual is the biological father of a child. Commonly used in contact, residence or child support disputes.
Maternity Testing
Used in surrogacy cases or where the biological mother’s identity is in question.
Sibling Testing
Assesses whether two individuals share one or both biological parents. Useful in kinship care or adoption matters.
Grandparent Testing
Used to establish biological relationships when a parent is unavailable for testing.
Prenatal DNA Testing
We will shortly be introducing a new non-invasive prenatal DNA test to establish paternity during pregnancy. This will help individuals wanting peace of mind, as well as local authorities or courts needing to establish paternal links as part of care proceedings.
Our Laboratory
All DNA testing is carried out in UKAS and Ministry of Justice accredited laboratories with strict chain of custody. As UKAS Testing Laboratory No. 7550, we operate in full compliance with ISO/IEC 17025:2017, ensuring results are reliable and court admissible.
Sample Collection
Samples are collected by trained professionals using mouth swabs or other approved collection methods. Collection can take place at the client’s home, in a professional setting, or at a local authority office.
We provide full identity checks and photographic documentation at the time of collection, ensuring that every result meets the evidential requirements of the court.
Expert Reports
Our DNA reports are clear, concise, and court-compliant. They include:
- Full laboratory analysis and chain-of-custody documentation
- Statement of results with interpretation
- Expert declaration suitable for court submission
Why Choose FTS for your DNA Testing?
FTS is trusted by local authorities and legal professionals across the UK for our serious approach to family law. We understand the sensitivity of DNA cases and the importance of handling the testing and reporting process with care, accuracy and professionalism.
Fully accredited in-house laboratories based in the UK
Results analysed by qualified forensic toxicologists
Our expert reports include interpretation of all results, not just simplistic certificates of analysis or “yes/no” answers that miss out key evidence. We also never use Society of Hair Testing cut-off levels, which can cause racial bias and incomplete and misleading reports.
Proven expertise in complex cases, including testing newborns and children.
We have the largest UKAS accredited panel for drug testing in hair, as well as one of the largest panels for new psychoactive drugs.
We are the only provider accredited to test for prebagalin and gabapentin.
We are the only provider operating our own fleet of mobile collection vans, offering clients a discreet and sterile environment for sample collection at their preferred location.
We can provide expert witnesses for court appearances.
Our Notify and Report service
What Our Customers Say
FAQ
How quickly can we receive DNA results?
Standard turnaround is 3 to 5 working days from sample receipt. Urgent services may be available on request.
Can the test be used in court?
Yes. Our DNA testing is court-admissible, Ministry of Justice approved and conducted with full chain of custody, ensuring samples are genuine.
What if the alleged father is unavailable?
We can advise on alternative relationship testing options, such as using siblings, grandparents, or other relatives.
Is consent required for a child to be tested?
Consent is usually required from a person with parental responsibility. If it is refused without good reason, a court is likely to consider the reason why someone is refusing to allow testing. This can have adverse inferences on how the court views a parent or guardian's commitment to their child’s wellbeing.
Do you test for other family relationships?
Yes. We provide testing for a wide range of family relationships, including maternity, siblings, avuncular (aunts and uncles), zygosity (twins) and grandparents.
Do you offer prenatal testing?
This service is currently in development. Please contact us if you have a case that may require non-invasive prenatal DNA testing.
Not sure which test is right for your case?
Speak to our team for expert advice and a fast, clear quote.
General Enquiries
Call: 01924 480272
Email: expert@forensic-testing.co.uk
Office Opening Hours
Monday – Friday: 08:30 – 17:30
Out of hours message service available