Why Accreditation is Important and the Difference Between Legal Paternity Testing and a Non-Legal Home DNA Test

Some DNA testing companies and DNA laboratories advertise as being accredited whilst some do not. GTL is accredited by ISO/IEC 17025 and the AABB (formerly known as the American Association of Blood Banks). To gain accreditation, a DNA lab must pass a rigorous inspection and review of their laboratory and DNA testing processes to ensure that all DNA tests are performed thoroughly and accurately. Once accredited, a DNA laboratory must also participate in proficiency DNA testing and allow an annual inspection.

For DNA test results to be admissible in court, the DNA testing must be carried out by an accredited laboratory. Buying a paternity test from an unaccredited laboratory may be cheaper but at best it is a gamble and why sacrifice quality for such an important test?

To qualify as an accredited legal DNA test, the DNA sample collection process must be witnessed by a neutral third party or health professional with no interest in the outcome of the test. The identity of the applicants submitting DNA samples must also be verified by photographic proof of identity and 2 passport-sized photographs of each applicant, counter-signed by the witness, must accompany the samples.

A home DNA test does not meet the requirements detailed above as DNA samples are collected by the participants themselves. Home DNA testing kits are ideal for families who are looking for a more affordable or discreet test but any company advertising an “accredited home DNA test” without these requirements is not complying with accreditation standards.

A GTL ‘Peace of Mind’, or informational, DNA testing kit or home paternity test does not require proof of identity and is therefore not court admissible or an accredited test. However, the legal DNA test is an accredited court admissible DNA test and is provided with full instructions explaining what qualifies as proof of identity and the duties of the health professional or third party witnessing the sample collection.

We assure you that the only difference between a peace of mind home paternity test and our legal DNA testing is the method of sample collection. The DNA testing process performed out our laboratory is identical in all cases and complies with all accreditation standards.