Q:What does a DNA test involve?
Q: What do I get for my money?
Q: What quality assurance of the result do I have?
Q: Who do I contact?
Q: Does the sampling hurt?
Q: How long will the sampling take?
Q: How long before I get the result?
Q: How do I receive the results?
Q: What does the first appointment involve?
Q: What do I do following the first appointment?
Q: Do I get extra support & counselling?
Q: How and when do I pay?
Q: Can these results be used by a solicitor in court?
Q: Are the results kept confidential?
Q: How are my case files kept secure?
Q: How are my DNA samples stored?
Q: When are my samples destroyed?
Q: How long is my case kept on file?
Q: Can my GP take my DNA sample?
Q: Is my sample used for anything else?
Q: Who takes my DNA sample?
Q: Can I do my own sampling at home with an approved sampling kit?
Q: Can I as the father of the child get a paternity test done without consent from the mother?

Q: What does a DNA test involve?
A: It involves taking a DNA sample from the inside of the cheek using a swab. This sample is then analysed using state of the art laboratory equipment. The confidentiality and safeguard of the sample is maintained at all times using anonymous codes. Only at the point of appointment, sampling and communicating the results are we required to know the personal details of the clients. Only senior staff members will have full assess to the test results of named individuals. Once analysed, the DNA results are checked by qualified genetists prior to reporting the results to the client. The results are communicated to the client in person.

Q: What do I get for my money?
A: For the price of our standard Paternity test you get:

	30 minute free first consultation
	Free sampling service and sampling kit if sampled at the Polygenyn clinic
	A court approved genetic test
	A report explaining the outcome of the result
	Another consultation to explain the results face to face
	All the above is covered by our standard charge for a paternity test

Q:What quality assurance of the result do I have?
A: You as the customer get a fully accredited DNA test. This means that approved procedures for meeting the client, taking the DNA sample through to analysis and the communication of the result are carried out to a specific standard in the DNA testing community. This test is actually carried out twice independently in order to double check the result.

Q: Who do I contact?
A: You either contact one of our friendly approachable team by phone or e-mail us from the contact page on our website. In both cases appointments will be arranged to meet you the client in person to explain the DNA testing service in full.

Q: Does the sampling hurt?
A: The swabbing will give slight discomfort to the inside of the mouth during the swabbing process, but it is essentially a painless procedure.

Q: How long will the sampling take?
A: Taking a sample, approving the paperwork and signing off the documentation should take only 10-15 minutes per person.

Q: How long before I get the result?
A: The result is obtained usually within 10 working days from the laboratory receiving the final sample from a family group. Test results can be obtained faster but this will incur extra cost.

Q: How do I receive the results?
A: You choose how you receive the results. We normally require another appointment so that we can explain the results in person. We do it this way so that the client can be totally sure what the results mean. The client can choose whether the results are communicated to each party individually or together if required.

Q: What does the first appointment involve?
A: This is a free consultation which will probably take about 30 minutes. This involves an experienced member of staff taking you through the whole DNA testing process. What you would expect from the result and how this result could change your life and how to deal with this. There is no pressure to sign up for the DNA test at this time.

Q: What do I do following the first appointment?
A: Another appointment is generally made for sampling to be carried out. As, this involves obtaining the required consent from all parties and documents required to verify identity. These appointments can be made separately or together as the client requires.

Q: Do I get extra support & counselling?
A: We pride ourselves in our friendly and caring service. We will be available for any extra advice and explanation required for any client all free of charge. Furthermore, if further professional counselling is required we can make recommendations through local links with GPs practices.

Q: How and when do I pay?
A: Payment is made either by cash or by cheque at the time of sampling. No work will go ahead until payment has been made. A receipt will be issued when payment is made.

Q: Can these results be used by a solicitor in court?
A: Yes. As our testing conforms to ISO 17025 our results can be used in a court of law. Our consultant is an expert witness and is on the board of approved genetic testers and approved by the Ministry of Justice.

Q: Are the results kept confidential?
A: Yes. The samples are booked in under both client name and a random number. Client name and number are only matched again when we carry out the test analysis and write up the test results. The complete personal record is only assessed by senior members of staff and only for the expressed reason of matching results to clients. Polygenyn Ltd is signed up to the Data Protection Act and thus prohibited from divulging any personal details to any third party.

Q: How are my case files kept secure?
A: Case files are stored on a dedicated detachable hard drive on a computer which is not connected to the internet. At the end of each day the hard drive is detached and taken off premises for safe storage. Case files are archived on CD and stored in a lockable safe.

Q: How are my DNA samples stored?
A: DNA samples are stored in a secure facility at the site of sample testing. This facility is completely separate from the main Polygenyn premises. This secure facility requires swipe card identification and visual identification from security personnel. DNA samples are stored in locked freezers where sample identification is by ambiguous code alone.

Q: When are my samples destroyed?
A: Your DNA is kept in storage for at least 5 years unless you specify otherwise at the point of sampling.

Q: How long is my case kept on file?
A: Your case file is kept indefinitely. However your case can be destroyed 1 year following case closure or sooner if stipulated at the time of sampling.

Q: Can my GP take my DNA sample?
A: Yes. In such cases we will provide a free of charge sampling kit to your GP. Your GP will take your samples and send the kit directly to Polygenyn Ltd. Be aware that your GP may charge you for sampling.

Q: Is my sample used for anything else?
A: Your sample may be used for checking the quality of the DNA tests in future analysis. Your DNA sample may also be used as part of a Celtic Ancestry Project. Note: No reference to named individuals will be kept, all samples will remain anonymous. Consent for this can be declined at the time of sampling. This is included as part of our standard consent paperwork.

Q: Who takes my DNA sample?
A: The sample is taken either by a medically qualified person, such as a doctor or nurse, or a medically trained sampler. We have our own dedicated nursing staff and accredited samplers.

Q: Can I do my own sampling at home with an approved sampling kit?
A: NO. The supply of DIY home sampling kits is considered a non approved sampling method which will invalidate your DNA test. Also it is a criminal offence to hold a DNA sample from an individual without proper consent.

Q: Can I as the father of the child get a paternity test done without consent from the mother?
A: Generally we do not encourage this course of action. Consent should always be obtained from all parties where possible. However, if this is not possible the father will need to provide proof of his identity and that of the child along with proof of care and control of the child, and proof of marriage to the mother. Care of control should be verified by a solicitor.