The country’s only clinical DNA testing service is now available in Leeds and Manchester for testing, face-to-face consultation and counselling.

The service has opened after alarming statistics have revealed that, following thousands of tests, two in every five fathers are bringing up a child that is not their own. (See footnote for research results).

Independent Family Healthcare is highlighting the need for a professional test, particularly after the launch earlier this year by Boots of an over the counter kit.

“There are serious medical implications to not knowing the identity of your biological parents. There are also serious emotional factors. Negative test results and in some cases positive results can have devastating effects. These statistics illustrate how complicated the paternity issue is in this country and why ‘over the counter’ or ‘do it yourself kits’ are simply not good enough. They diminish the importance of these life-changing tests and let the public down. Relationship tests should be carried out in a supportive and clinical atmosphere where advice and counselling is available.”

IFH have seen many people who have ordered cheap Internet or over the counter DNA test kits in which, at the end of the day, they had no confidence.

Patients fumble their way through the test without any face-to-face support. They then come to us, paying out more money, just to put their minds at rest.

Independent Family Healthcare has launched the Leeds and Manchester clinic in response to the recognised demand for a professional, peace of mind service.

Sarah Grantham, from Independent Family Healthcare, said: “It is critical that clients get the best level of service in order to promote confidence in their test result. It is only then that individuals and families move on.”

“People think they can look at other options but without a professional test, including face-to-face consultation and support, test participants are less equipped to deal with the life-changing results they receive.”
Independent Family Healthcare work with one of the few laboratories in the country to be assessed by The UK Accreditation Service (UKAS) to the international testing standard for DNA paternity, maternity, sibling analysis and drugs of abuse analysis in hair. Tests cost from £259.

FOOTNOTE:
Wales -57 per cent
North East – 47 per cent
West Midland – 45 per cent
South East – 45 per cent
South West – 44 per cent
North West – 41 per cent
East Midlands – 38 per cent
East Anglia – 37 per cent
Northern Ireland – 26 per cent
Scotland – 22 per cent

The research findings follow more than a thousand tests in each area during the past five years. The Lab selected 500 tests randomly  (paternity only) and then the number of positive and negative results was calculated. The figures above show the percentage negative results.

For further information on all clinics, pharmacies and home visits contact Independent Family Healthcare. Tel. 01625  441630. Email. enquiries@familyhealthcare.org.uk.