Conclusive Answers through DNA Testing

Frequently Asked Questions

Please click on a question below to read its answer.

1. How much does a paternity test cost?
2. When will my results be ready?
3. How will I receive my results?
4. What forms of payment do you accept?
5. What do I need to do to get a paternity test?
6. What happens if the tested parties live in different cities or counties?
7. What types of samples do you use?
8. Why should I choose DDC UK?
9. Will my test be legally binding?
10. How accurate is DNA paternity testing?

1. How much does a paternity test cost?

DDC UK strives to make all our DNA tests affordable and accessible. To review our test prices, please visit the DNA Testing Fee Schedule page. If you have questions about any of our fees or DNA testing services, please call us at 0800 860 0856.

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2. When will my results be ready?

Once our laboratory has received all the required samples for a DNA paternity test, we will complete the test within 5 business days. To review the turnaround times of our other DNA tests, please visit our DNA Testing Fee Schedule page.

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3. How will I receive my results?

Our primary method of sending DNA test results is by post. You may also request to receive your results via fax or courier delivery for a nominal fee. Please call us at 0800 860 0856 for more information about these options.

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4. What forms of payment do you accept?

To make the payment process as convenient for you as possible, DDC UK accepts the following forms of payment:
• Cheque
• Postal order
• Credit card
• Debit card
• BACS transfer

Please call us at 0800 860 0856 for more information about our accepted payment methods.

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5. What do I need to do to get a paternity test?

To initiate a DNA paternity test with DDC UK, simply complete our DNA test contact form or call us at 0800 860 0856. One of our knowledgeable paternity specialists will evaluate the information you provide and will give you a free consultation to help you choose which DNA testing service is best for you.

When you are ready to proceed with a test, our paternity specialists will coordinate a convenient DNA sample collection appointment with a doctor or nurse in your area.

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6. What happens if the tested parties live in different cities or counties?

DDC UK can arrange separate sample collection appointments for any—or all—of the parties involved in a paternity test. We will coordinate with a doctor or nurse in each person's area to ensure the sample collection process is as convenient as possible. Please visit our Areas of Service page for more information.

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7. What types of samples do you use?

Buccal swabbing, or cheek swabbing, is our primary method of DNA sample collection. This is a fast and painless procedure that simply involves the rubbing of swabs against the inside of the cheeks. Buccal swabbing is so noninvasive and pain-free that it can be safely performed on people of all ages, including newborns. Please visit our DNA Sample Collection page for details.

Under some circumstances, DDC UK will test samples other than buccal swab samples.

• In a case involving a deceased individual, we may be able to obtain DNA from a preserved biological sample, such as blood or body tissue. First, however, we must perform a viability test to ensure that the preserved sample contains sufficient DNA for further genetic testing.

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8. Why should I choose DDC UK?

DDC UK is the premier DNA testing laboratory in the UK. We offer a number of unique advantages that translate into accurate, reliable testing and top-notch customer service for you. To name just a few:

• We perform every DNA test twice to ensure 100% accurate results you can trust.
• Our laboratory boasts important international accreditations and certifications, including ISO/IEC 17025 certification and AABB accreditation.
• Our finely tuned testing processes and state-of-the-art technologies enable us to perform efficient testing, which means fast turnaround times and affordable test prices for you.

Learn more by visiting the DDC UK Advantages page or by calling 0800 860 0856.

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9. Will my test be legally binding?

DDC UK strictly follows the chain of custody documentation procedure, which makes our DNA test results legally defensible in courts of law and other government agencies. Many of our clients use their test results for legal purposes, such as:

• Resolving family law matters—for example, child support and child custody disputes.
• Settling inheritance disputes.
• Satisfying immigration requirements.


For more information about our legally defensible DNA tests, please contact us using our online form or by calling 0800 860 0856.

If you are a solicitor or from a council and wish to place an instruction for a DNA paternity test, please complete our online instruction form.

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10. How accurate is DNA paternity testing?

DNA paternity testing from DDC UK is 100% accurate. All of our tests are performed using our proprietary Dual Process™ and strictly follow the chain of custody documentation procedure. Together, these testing methods ensure error-free results through the painstakingly careful handling, testing, and analysis of the DNA samples.

Many DNA testing companies incorrectly swap the terms "accuracy" and "probability". The probability of paternity is a statistical measure of the likelihood of the biological relationship existing. In the case of an inclusion result (the alleged father is found to be the biological father of the child), the probability of paternity could be as high as 99.99% or higher.

Please note: All paternity tests will generate a probability of paternity of less than 100%. To produce a 100% probability, a laboratory would have to test and exclude every other man in the world. Since this is not feasible, a paternity test uses a population database to calculate the probability (likelihood) of paternity.

While an inclusion result can be 99.99% or higher, an exclusion result (the alleged father is not the biological father) is always 0%. If the genetic profiles of the child and alleged father do not match, there is statistically no chance that the two are biologically related.

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