Paternity DNA Testing
Accurate, UKAS-accredited paternity testing with fast results and flexible collection options.
Crystal Health offers both legal and peace-of-mind paternity DNA tests, available at nationwide sample collection locations, through mobile visits, or by ordering a home kit. Results are typically available within 3 working days from receipt of samples at the laboratory.
Why Choose Crystal Health?
- Testing is carried out by a UKAS ISO 17025-accredited laboratory, ensuring quality and accuracy
- The laboratory is listed on the Ministry of Justice approved DNA testing provider list, making results suitable for court and legal use
- Legally admissible reports accepted by family courts and CAFCASS
- Trusted provider since 2005 with thousands of successful tests
- Free inclusion of the mother to strengthen results
- Clear pricing with no hidden fees and optional split-payment plans
- Online booking available at selected sample collection locations — with discounted pricing
- We supply the best-selling paternity DNA test kit on Boots.com
- Unrivalled national network of sample collection locations and mobile collectors
How does a Paternity Test work?
Paternity DNA testing works by comparing the child’s DNA with that of the alleged father. Our laboratory analyses specific DNA markers to confirm or exclude a biological relationship with very high accuracy.
The process:
- Cheek swab samples are collected at home, at a sample collection location, or by a mobile sample collector
- The samples are analysed at a UKAS-accredited lab
- You receive results within 3 working days via secure report from receipt of your samples at the laboratory
All testing is carried out under strict procedures by qualified professionals and is fully compliant with Human Tissue Act 2004 consent requirements.
Types of Paternity DNA Test
Peace of Mind Paternity Test
- For personal reassurance only
- Can be self-collected or by our certified sample collection officers
- Not admissible in legal or court proceedings
- Available direct from Crystal Health or via Boots.com
Legal Paternity DNA Test
- Used for court cases, immigration, child custody, or inheritance matters
- Collected under strict chain of custody with verified ID and documentation
- Results are legally admissible and accepted by family courts and CAFCASS
- Appointment required — available at sample collection locations or via mobile visit
Paternity Testing Pricing
Peace of Mind DNA testing starts from £99 for self-collection at home. If you prefer to attend a sample collection location, the price starts from £250 — with discounted rates available when booking online.
Legal DNA testing is priced from £395 at a sample collection location, or £420 for mobile collection. Additional participants can be added to any test for £60 (peace of mind) to £90 (legal) per person.
There are no hidden fees. The mother’s sample is included free of charge, and flexible split-payment options are available.
Frequently Asked Questions
How does Crystal Health's Paternity DNA test work?
We analyse short tandem repeats (STRs) in DNA collected via cheek swabs. A child inherits half of their DNA from each parent. By comparing the child’s DNA to the alleged father’s (and the mother’s if included), we can confirm or exclude paternity with very high accuracy.
Do you need the mother for Paternity DNA testing?
For Peace of Mind paternity testing, the test can still be completed without the mother’s DNA. However, including her sample improves the accuracy and strength of the result, and there is no extra charge for doing so. Please refer to the Disclaimer below.
For Legal paternity testing, the mother’s sample is required as part of the official testing process, unless there are exceptional circumstances (for example, if the mother is deceased).
How do I order a Paternity DNA test?
Here are the options available to you:
- Order a Paternity Test kit from Boots*
- Order a free Paternity Test from DNA Clinics*
- Call 0800 988 7107 to make an appointment at a DNA Clinic or order a *DNA self-collection Home Kit
- Call 0800 988 7107 to arrange a home visit from a sample collection officer
- You or your solicitor can contact us to organise a legal paternity DNA test for court purposes
* Please note, you can only use self-collection kits for peace of mind purposes only. This test cannot be used for legal purposes.
Can you test related fathers, like brothers?
Yes. If two potential fathers are close relatives, such as brothers, extra steps may be needed to ensure accuracy. However, you must contact us before testing to discuss your specific situation by calling 0800 988 7107.
Is prenatal Paternity testing available?
We currently offer postnatal paternity testing only. Non-invasive prenatal testing is not available at this time.
How is privacy and consent handled?
We follow GDPR and the Human Tissue Act 2004. Written consent is required for all participants. Legal tests involve ID verification and chain-of-custody documentation. Your information and samples are kept secure at all times.
How accurate is the DNA Clinics Paternity Test?
The test provides over 99.99% accuracy when confirming that a tested male is the biological father. If he is not the father, the result will show as an exclusion. Testing is carried out using internationally recognised DNA profiling methods to ensure reliable and conclusive results. Please refer to the disclaimer below for further details.
What is the difference between Peace of Mind and legal DNA tests?
Peace of Mind tests are for personal reassurance and can be done using a home test kit or by visiting a sample collection location. They are not suitable for legal purposes.
Legal DNA tests are used in situations such as court cases, immigration, child custody, or inheritance. These tests follow strict procedures, including ID verification and chain-of-custody protocols, to ensure results are legally admissible.
Legal DNA test sample collection is only available by appointment, either at one of our sample collection locations, your address, or arranged via your solicitor.
How much does a Paternity DNA test cost?
Prices start from £99 for a Peace of Mind home test (including mother, child, and one alleged father). Legal testing costs range from £395 to £420 depending on location and participants. Extra people can be added for an additional fee.
How long do Paternity DNA results take?
Results are usually available within 3–5 working days after your samples reach our laboratory. We’ll notify you if there are any delays due to incomplete paperwork or unclear samples.
What is UKAS 17025 accreditation?
UKAS 17025 is an international quality standard that confirms the laboratory’s competence and reliability. It ensures your results are produced using validated procedures and are legally admissible if needed.
Disclaimer
Due to the complexity of DNA relationship testing and the chance nature of DNA inheritance, there is a small risk of receiving an inconclusive result. An inconclusive result means that the DNA analysed does not provide sufficient evidence to establish the biological relationship being tested. The likelihood of this outcome depends on several factors, including the test participants available, individual DNA profiles and their uniqueness or commonality, and the number of genetic locations analysed.
It is important to understand and accept the risk of an inconclusive result before ordering or booking this test, as you will be required to provide consent confirming your awareness. Refunds will not be issued for inconclusive results.
We will always strive to achieve a conclusive outcome for your DNA test. If an initial test is inconclusive, additional options may be available to improve the likelihood of a conclusive result (additional fees apply). These options include:
- Adding more test participants, as recommended by Crystal Health Group, to strengthen the analysis.
- Conducting further analysis to compare additional loci (DNA locations).
If you are using the DNA Clinics service and booking an appointment, these options will be explained to you during the process. For those ordering a self-collection kit, we recommend calling 0800 988 7107 to discuss these options with a member of our team before placing your order.
Next steps?
Save on Legal and Peace of Mind Paternity testing at selected sample collection locations.
Your kit is free — just pay postage. Lab analysis is charged only when you return your samples.
Buy the best-selling DNA Clinics paternity test kit on Boots.com for Peace of Mind use only.
We offer nationwide appointments Monday to Friday at DNA Clinics and partner sites.
Call 0800 988 7107 for expert advice or help arranging your paternity test.
Nationwide DNA Sample Collection Appointments
Crystal Health offers nationwide access to DNA sample collection appointments at DNA Clinics and selected partner locations. With flexible availability Monday to Friday, it’s easy to find a time and location that suits you.
For added convenience, a mobile collection service is also available, with trained officers visiting your home for secure, verified sample collection.
Our team will help you choose the most appropriate option for your legal or peace-of-mind paternity DNA test — wherever you are in the UK.
Head Office
Crystal Health Group
The Old Chapel
Manchester
M30 0NG