FAQs
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- Who takes the samples?
- Crucial Genetics follow the chain of custody documentation system insisting on a registered GP/Nurse taking the samples to verify the identity of the person's DNA.
- Are samples stable at room temperature?
- Yes however samples are usually stored at 4 º C.
- Who books the test?
- The clients themselves or a third party such as a solicitor.
- How are donors identified at appointment?
- The GP/Nurse will verify the identity of the client by examination of photographic ID.
- How are results analysed?
- Crucial Genetics' paternity testing service uses a technology known as short tandem repeat (STR) PCR DNA profiling. We use an ABI Prism 310 scanning machine to build the DNA profile and all our paternity testers are graduates who use the latest DNA analysis technology. If the DNA patterns between the child and the alleged father do not match on two or more DNA probes (markers), then that alleged father is 100% excluded which means he has a 0 per cent probability of paternity: he cannot be the biological father of the child. If the DNA pattern between the mother, child and the alleged father match on every DNA probe (marker), then we are able to calculate a probability of paternity of 99.9 per cent or greater. This result indicates that he is "practically proven" to be the biological father of the child.
- Who pays the sampling fee?
- The clients are required to pay the sampling fee to the doctor at the time of appointment or prior to results being dispatched.
- How are samples taken?
- The samples taken are simple painless mouth swabs.
- How do I arrange payment?
- Payment in full is required before the test results are posted to the relevant parties involved. A £100 deposit is required before kits are despatched to the relevant GPs. The exception to the above is when the test is funded through legal aid.
- Are there any age restrictions for the child being tested?
- We do not carry out pre-natal testing, however as soon as the baby is born the child can be tested.
- Does the mother need to be tested?
- We do not require the mother to be tested, however the results are more conclusive if the mother participates in the sampling procedure. We do require the mothers consent if the child tested is under 18.
- How long will the results take?
- Samples are analysed immediately, and results are posted out within 5-10 working days from when the samples are received.
- Who gets the results?
- All adult parties involved in the sampling procedure will be entitled to a copy of the results.
- Are there any differences in the procedure using blood or mouth swabs?
- There is no difference in how we analyse the samples. Most of the cells in the human body contain DNA so we can obtain your DNA from many different sources.
- Will it make a difference if I eat before the test process?
- No, however it would be advised if clients refrain from eating 2 hours prior to sampling.