*/
News comes as demand for prenatal paternity tests surges by 47% versus pre-pandemic levels
Leading legal DNA testing provider AlphaBiolabs has become the first UK testing laboratory to be awarded accreditation for its non-invasive prenatal paternity testing.
The company, which provides a range of legal testing services including DNA, drug and alcohol testing for local authorities and family law professionals, was awarded ISO 17025 accreditation by the UK Accreditation Service (UKAS) following a two-year validation process.
Beginning in 2019, the AlphaBiolabs DNA team undertook an extensive validation project, ensuring that the company’s prenatal paternity testing methods met the highest possible standards for efficacy, as required by UKAS.
The project was then submitted to UKAS, and an external audit was conducted to ensure the company’s DNA analysis met the criteria for ISO 17025 accreditation, an internationally recognised standard for Testing and Calibration Laboratories.
News of the accreditation comes as figures show demand for prenatal paternity tests is on the rise.
As of 2021, the company recorded a 47% increase in prenatal paternity tests versus pre-pandemic levels*
as more people become aware of the benefits of this innovative, risk-free test.
A non-invasive prenatal paternity test can be carried out from as early as seven weeks into pregnancy, making it possible to determine paternity before a baby is born.
An AlphaBiolabs prenatal paternity test is 100% safe for both mother and baby, as it only requires cheek swabs and a blood sample from the mother and cheek swabs from the father. It is possible to identify the unborn baby’s DNA via the mother’s blood sample, as DNA from the foetus is passed into the mother’s bloodstream via the placenta during pregnancy.
If the man in question is the biological father of the child, the man and baby will share DNA markers.
For childcare proceedings, knowing the biological father of a child in early pregnancy carries significant benefits, enabling local authorities to implement plans for safeguarding where a baby may be at risk of serious harm.
It can also help prevent delays to pre-care, care, or supervision proceedings.
Casey Randall, Head of DNA at AlphaBiolabs, said: “To be the first testing laboratory in the UK to secure this accreditation is a fantastic achievement, and testament to the hard work and dedication of our DNA team.
“Establishing paternity before a baby is born can play a fundamental role in court proceedings, especially in cases where the safeguarding of a child is paramount.
“With the addition of UKAS accreditation, our legal clients can be confident that AlphaBiolabs’ prenatal paternity testing is performed to the highest possible standard for fast, accurate results that they can trust.”
AlphaBiolabs is accredited by the Ministry of Justice to carry out parentage tests as directed by the civil courts in England and Wales under Section 20 of the Family Law Reform Act (1969).
For every legal instruction received throughout 2022, AlphaBiolabs is also donating £5 via its Giving Back campaign, supporting four incredible charities that work with vulnerable children and families across the UK.
* Source: AlphaBiolabs DNA testing data, number of prenatal paternity tests performed (2019-2021)
Further information
Please contact AlphaBiolabs on 0333 600 1300 or email: testing@alphabiolabs.com or visit https://www.alphabiolabs.co.uk
Founded in 2004 and headquartered in Warrington, Cheshire, AlphaBiolabs is a leading and award-winning provider of DNA, drug, alcohol, and COVID-19 testing services in the UK. For more information please visit: https://www.alphabiolabs.co.uk
Leading legal DNA testing provider AlphaBiolabs has become the first UK testing laboratory to be awarded accreditation for its non-invasive prenatal paternity testing.
The company, which provides a range of legal testing services including DNA, drug and alcohol testing for local authorities and family law professionals, was awarded ISO 17025 accreditation by the UK Accreditation Service (UKAS) following a two-year validation process.
Beginning in 2019, the AlphaBiolabs DNA team undertook an extensive validation project, ensuring that the company’s prenatal paternity testing methods met the highest possible standards for efficacy, as required by UKAS.
The project was then submitted to UKAS, and an external audit was conducted to ensure the company’s DNA analysis met the criteria for ISO 17025 accreditation, an internationally recognised standard for Testing and Calibration Laboratories.
News of the accreditation comes as figures show demand for prenatal paternity tests is on the rise.
As of 2021, the company recorded a 47% increase in prenatal paternity tests versus pre-pandemic levels*
as more people become aware of the benefits of this innovative, risk-free test.
A non-invasive prenatal paternity test can be carried out from as early as seven weeks into pregnancy, making it possible to determine paternity before a baby is born.
An AlphaBiolabs prenatal paternity test is 100% safe for both mother and baby, as it only requires cheek swabs and a blood sample from the mother and cheek swabs from the father. It is possible to identify the unborn baby’s DNA via the mother’s blood sample, as DNA from the foetus is passed into the mother’s bloodstream via the placenta during pregnancy.
If the man in question is the biological father of the child, the man and baby will share DNA markers.
For childcare proceedings, knowing the biological father of a child in early pregnancy carries significant benefits, enabling local authorities to implement plans for safeguarding where a baby may be at risk of serious harm.
It can also help prevent delays to pre-care, care, or supervision proceedings.
Casey Randall, Head of DNA at AlphaBiolabs, said: “To be the first testing laboratory in the UK to secure this accreditation is a fantastic achievement, and testament to the hard work and dedication of our DNA team.
“Establishing paternity before a baby is born can play a fundamental role in court proceedings, especially in cases where the safeguarding of a child is paramount.
“With the addition of UKAS accreditation, our legal clients can be confident that AlphaBiolabs’ prenatal paternity testing is performed to the highest possible standard for fast, accurate results that they can trust.”
AlphaBiolabs is accredited by the Ministry of Justice to carry out parentage tests as directed by the civil courts in England and Wales under Section 20 of the Family Law Reform Act (1969).
For every legal instruction received throughout 2022, AlphaBiolabs is also donating £5 via its Giving Back campaign, supporting four incredible charities that work with vulnerable children and families across the UK.
* Source: AlphaBiolabs DNA testing data, number of prenatal paternity tests performed (2019-2021)
Further information
Please contact AlphaBiolabs on 0333 600 1300 or email: testing@alphabiolabs.com or visit https://www.alphabiolabs.co.uk
News comes as demand for prenatal paternity tests surges by 47% versus pre-pandemic levels
Barbara Mills KC, the new Chair of the Bar, outlines some key themes and priorities
A family lawyer has won a £500 donation for her preferred charity, an education centre for women from disadvantaged backgrounds, thanks to drug, alcohol and DNA testing laboratory AlphaBiolabs’ Giving Back campaign
Louise Crush of Westgate Wealth Management highlights some of the ways you can cut your IHT bill
Rachel Davenport breaks down everything you need to know about AlphaBiolabs’ industry-leading laboratory testing services for legal matters
By Louise Crush of Westgate Wealth Management sets out the key steps to your dream property
A centre of excellence for youth justice, the Youth Justice Legal Centre provides specialist training, an advice line and a membership programme
What's it like being a legal trainee at the Crown Prosecution Service? Amy describes what drew her to the role, the skills required and a typical day in the life
Barbara Mills KC wants to raise the profile of the family Bar. She also wants to improve wellbeing and enhance equality, diversity and inclusion in the profession. She talks to Joshua Rozenberg KC (hon) about her plans for the year ahead
Professor Dominic Regan and Seán Jones KC identify good value bottles across the price spectrum – from festive fizz to reliable reds
Governments who play fast and loose with the law get into real trouble, says the new Attorney General. The Rt Hon Lord Hermer KC talks to Anthony Inglese CB about what drew this boy from Cardiff to the Bar, bringing the barrister ethos to the front bench, and how he will be measuring success
Mark Neale, Director General of the Bar Standards Board, offers an update on the Equality Rules consultation
