DNA Clinics was established by our founder Nichola McChrystal. Nichola studied Biomedical Science at John Moores University, and with the help of the University, started the company back in 2005. The company opened with much publicity and fanfare, having a laboratory in Liverpool and a unique network of 23 DNA Clinics around the UK. In addition, being a women-led business attracted the attention of the national media, and the company received many awards in the years that followed, including entrepreneur and young businesswoman of the year.

Now, with the DNA Clinics brand being part of Crystal Health Group, the service has established a reputation for customer service and quality. So much so, that only DNA Clinics paternity test kits are sold exclusively with the famous high street chain Boots. In addition, all DNA testing is performed at a UK based laboratory facility accredited to UKAS 17025 standards.

In 2017, we expanded our biotesting services to include drug and alcohol testing and workplace medical assessments. As a result, we updated the company name to reflect the broad range of services we provide. We kept the DNA Clinics brand as it is such an established and recognised service in the market. Crystal Health Group is still an independent family run business based in Manchester, and has also established a reputation for excellence in customer service and quality. The feedback we receive is testament to this, and illustrates the amazing team we have here at the company.

Depending on what we need to communicate, we will either call, email, or send you an SMS. Rest assured, we have been doing this for a long time, so we understand this can be an anxious time for you. As such, we have developed our communication processes to get in touch with you as quickly as possible to resolve any issues. Or, to promptly keep you updated throughout the testing process. In addition, we comply with GDPR through our ISO 27001 Management System and ICO registration, number ZA260675.

You can view our Privacy Policy here. We take the protection of your personal information very seriously. As such, we commit to maintain our ISO 27001: Information Security and ISO 9001: Quality certifications, registration with the ICO, and compliance with GDPR. The Privacy Policy provides all the information you need to know about how we process, handle, and store your personal data, including how you can make a Subject Access Request, or Right to Erasure Request.

You can order paternity, maternity, sibling, and grandparent DNA tests from our online shop. We don’t offer more complex relationship tests from our shop as we may need much more information, so such tests are dealt with by our case managers.

In addition, all DNA tests ordered from this shop are self-collection kits. This means that you must obtain mouth swab samples yourself and complete all the necessary paperwork. As such, these DNA tests can only be used for peace of mind purposes. In other words, they are for personal information only, and cannot be used for any legal reasons. If you require a legal DNA test, you must call 0800 988 7107 and book in at a DNA clinic.

We do not charge for the DNA test kit. However, there is a fee to pay to cover the cost of the analysis at the laboratory. Also, depending on the option you choose, postage is free if you pay the full laboratory fee when ordering your kit.

Yes! To make the service more affordable, there are a couple of options. First, you can split the cost of the test in half with Crystal Health Group. Details are provided on the paperwork when you receive your DNA kit. The second half of the payment will be requested before we send you your DNA test report.

Second, if you opt to pay the full laboratory fee when ordering, you may be eligible for PayPal Pay Later options. This offer is provided through your own PayPal account and not by Crystal Health Group, so unfortunately, we cannot guarantee that you will be eligible.

Unfortunately, no. As mentioned, self-collection DNA tests can only be used for personal information. If you attempt to submit a laboratory report for legal purposes from a self-collection test kit, it will be rejected by the receiving agency. If you require a legal DNA test, you must call 0800 988 7107 and book in at a DNA clinic.

Unfortunately, no. We have different prices for DNA clinic appointments. If you prefer an appointment, please do not order a kit. Instead, please call 0800 988 7107 and speak to an advisor.

This depends on the postal option you choose at checkout. Please review the options and choose the option that suits your needs. If you pay the laboratory fee in full, postage is free, and your kit will be sent by Royal Mail First Class tracked delivery.

The paperwork has been constantly evolving since 2005 and made as simple as possible for you. However, if you need help completing this, just call 0800 988 7107 and we will talk you through it.

Not at all. Full instructions are included within the DNA kit. Here’s some top tips!

• Take your time and follow the instructions.
• Complete the sample envelopes before taking the samples.
• Do one person at a time to avoid mixing-up swabs. Ensure the samples are placed in the correct corresponding sample envelope for each person.
• Do not handle the swab end, you will contaminate the DNA sample and we won’t be able to test it.
• Don’t let children take their own swab samples.
• Air dry the swab samples before putting them in the sample envelope.
• Always seal the sample envelope.

Unopened mouth swabs can be used up until the expiry date on the packet. If you have already taken the samples, but cannot return them straight away, don’t worry, as long as they are stored in a cool dry place, they are still viable for up to 3 months.

For paternity DNA testing and maternity tests, you will receive your results within 3 working days from the samples arriving at the laboratory. For sibling and grandparent DNA tests, the results take slightly longer, up to 5 working days. If there is a problem with your samples or paperwork, we will be in touch as soon as possible to resolve any issues.

All test participants over the age of 16 are entitled to the DNA test results. In addition, you can request a third party to receive results by completing a third-party consent form, available on request.

The quickest way to receive your results is by email. If you choose to receive a printed copy by post, the results are sent by Royal Mail First Class post and may take several days to reach you. Also, there is an additional charge for this service. As such, we always recommend that results are sent by email.

Your DNA test results will be in PDF format and password protected. Passwords are sent to your mobile phone by secure SMS. To open the PDF document, you will require the Adobe Acrobat reader on your device. You can download the software here for free.