The decision to have a paternity test should not be taken lightly and you may have lots of questions. We urge you to consider all of the people involved and to decide whether this is the best course of action, particularly for any children in question. The following are the most frequent questions we get asked.

How does DNA testing work?

It works by detecting certain parts, or “markers” in the DNA molecule that are known to vary greatly between unrelated people. Our tests compare the DNA at a number of these markers to determine if people are related.

The process is called Short Tandem Repeat (STR) profiling. STR profiling is a very sensitive DNA testing procedure that was originally developed for forensic analysis. DNA is extracted from the sample and a special enzyme is used to copy the genetic code at the relevant regions in the DNA. An STR profile is the result of several separate DNA tests.

Are the results conclusive?

When a mother, child and possible father are tested Cellmark's results will either show he is not the father or provide proof of paternity with a confidence level of 99.99% and usually greater than 99.999%.

We also carry out other types of relationship testing, for further details please contact our Customer Service team on 08000 362522.

If you require further information, or your question isn't listed here, then please call one of our friendly, professional and confidential Customer Service advisors on 08000 362522, or send your question via email to info@cellmark.co.uk, or use our discrete SMS service.