DNA testing plays a critical role in the legal sector, offering irrefutable proof of biological relationships in support of child welfare cases, custody disputes, inheritance disputes, immigration applications, and more.
At AlphaBiolabs, we understand the weight of this responsibility. Since 2004, we have been providing the most advanced DNA test offering in the UK, including sample collection, analysis, and reporting for family law solicitors, social workers, and local authorities.
Industry-leading methodology
For over 20 years we have remained at the forefront of innovation, investing in state-of-the-art technology for our UK-based, UKAS 17025-accredited laboratory, allowing us to deliver fast, accurate, reliable DNA results quicker than anyone else.
We set the standard for DNA testing on a global scale as the first testing laboratory to offer next-day DNA results as standard. An achievement that saw us awarded The King’s Award for Enterprise (formerly The Queen’s Award for Enterprise).
For urgent matters, same-day DNA results are also available, offering unparalleled flexibility in meeting court deadlines.
AlphaBiolabs is also the first and only UK laboratory to analyse up to 153 DNA markers for DNA relationship tests.
Our DNA testing was already industry-leading, analysing up to 45 DNA markers. However, we can now extend this analysis up to 153 DNA markers.
DNA markers (loci) – specific regions of DNA that vary between individuals – are used to compare genetic material and confirm biological relationships. Analysing more DNA markers enhances the conclusivity of these comparisons, for an even more robust result.
This is particularly beneficial when performing complex relationship DNA tests such as sibling, aunt/uncle (avuncular), grandparent, and extended family tests (including cousins).
This is because the chance of obtaining a conclusive result for complex relationships will always be lower than the more straightforward paternity or maternity tests, as the DNA has not been directly inherited.
By analysing up to 153 DNA markers, AlphaBiolabs offers an unprecedented level of precision for court-admissible DNA tests.
Setting the standard
We have always worked hard to set the standard for the testing industry, remaining ahead of the curve with our exceptional level of service, our offering, and our methodology.
As well as being the first laboratory to offer next-day and same-day results for court-approved DNA tests, and the first to analyse up to 153 DNA markers:
- We were the first testing laboratory to establish a network of trained Sample Collectors nationwide, with the ability to collect samples from any location within 24-48 hours of case registration
- We were the first testing laboratory to open walk-in centres for sample collections, offering FREE collections for legally-instructed tests. We remain the only laboratory to offer this service, operating a network of 21 walk-in centres across the UK & Ireland
- We were the first testing laboratory operating in the legal sector to achieve accreditation for DNA testing
- We were the first UK DNA testing company to launch a Toothbrush DNA Test; allowing us to extract a DNA profile from a used toothbrush for the purpose of performing a DNA relationship test
Accreditations and quality standards
Quality underpins everything we do at AlphaBiolabs. In addition to holding UKAS 17025 accreditation, the internationally recognised standard for testing and calibration laboratories, we are:
- The ONLY UK laboratory to hold UKAS 17025 accreditation for prenatal paternity testing
- Ministry of Justice approved to perform parentage testing
- Equipped to provide DNA testing for all family relationships, with all testing performed at our UK laboratory – so samples are never sent abroad, maintaining sample integrity
- Adept at delivering concise, easy-to-understand Expert Reports that sit within the framework of Family Law, following Part 25 of the Family Procedure Rules (2010). Our results are accepted by Family Courts, Ministry of Justice, UK Visas and Immigration Service, the Home Office, HM Passport Office, Border Force & Immigration Enforcement
- UKAS 9001 accredited for our Quality Management System
We also employ highly skilled in-house geneticists with decades of collective experience, and UK-based Reporting Scientists who are Bond Solon trained; many of whom have attended Family Court and Crown Court as expert witnesses.
Choose the best DNA testing available
With over 20 years’ experience and a raft of industry firsts in DNA testing, you can be confident that AlphaBiolabs offers the very best DNA testing solution available to the UK legal sector.
Our New Enquiry team is always on hand to discuss your DNA testing requirements and will happily provide advice on the most suitable DNA test for your particular case.
Once your case is registered, you will be assigned a dedicated Case Manager to fully manage your instruction, from sample collection through to delivery of your Expert Report in a clear, concise, user-friendly format.
Plus, our Price Promise means we will beat any like-for-like quote by a further 10%.
For more information visit https://www.alphabiolabs.co.uk/legal-test-forms/, call our New Enquiry team on 0333 600 1300 or email testing@alphabiolabs.com.
Register now for one of our FREE 30-minute webinars on Tuesday 4 February at 12pm and Thursday 6 February at 9am, where you can learn even more about the latest advancements in DNA testing for court.
Casey Randall, Head of Genetics at AlphaBiolabs
Casey joined the AlphaBiolabs team in 2012 and heads up both the DNA and Health testing teams. An expert in DNA analysis and a member of the International Society for Forensic Genetics (ISFG), Casey holds an MSc with Distinction in DNA Profiling and a First-Class BSc with Honours in Forensic Science. Casey is responsible for maintaining the highest quality testing standards, as well as looking for ways to further enhance the service that AlphaBiolabs provides and exploring new and innovative techniques in DNA analysis.
