Do you need a DNA sample from the mother?

Our paternity DNA tests are most conclusive if we can test all three of the child, mother and alleged father.

A test without a sample from the mother will not provide the same degree of certainty as a test with samples from both parents.

If and alleged father is not available for testing, then tests such as sibling, grandparent, or aunt/uncle DNA tests can also be performed.  The biological mother of the tested “child” should always take part in such tests.  Occasionally when tests there is no parental involvement at all, a biological relationship may exist between two (or more) tested people, but it cannot be detected because of the relatively low amount of DNA shared between the tested individuals.  This would be the one thing we would like to make you aware of before embarking on such a test.

In cases where the alleged father or any person other than the child’s mother signs on behalf of the child under 16 years, we always ask to see proof of parental responsibility e.g., the full birth certificate or a marriage certificate to the mother. This can be sent us to by email. For further information regarding Parental Responsibility, please see FAQ ‘What is Parental Responsibility (PR)?

We will not process any samples without the appropriate consent and evidence of this where it is any person other than the child’s mother signing on behalf of the child. This will effect your expected results due date if we have not received this evidence before the samples arrive with us.

Please see FAQ’s “What is the consent form?” and “What is Parental Responsibility (PR)?” for further information regarding father and child only DNA tests.