Why choose MEDILAB & its International Partners for your paternity test?

• Our partners are UK’s fastest, most popular paternity testing service provider
• Up to 42 DNA markers analysed – twice as many as our competitors
• The only UK laboratory to offer same day or next day results guaranteed
• 100% accurate
• Only a simple cheek swab required
• Winner of the Queen’s Award for Enterprise in Innovation
• Voted the best Peace of Mind & Legal paternity test service provider
• We test the child and the alleged father however we test the biological mother in addition for free. Thus while we establish paternity, we confirm maternity as well. This helps to keep the results in proper perspective. 
• We are affordable
• Peace of Mind Testing at just 1200 cedis only for Standard Trio (Alleged father, Child and Mother). 1200 covers all three persons. No extra payments required.
• Legal DNA Testing at just 1700 cedis for standard Trio (Alleged father, Child and Mother). 1700 covers all three persons. No extra payments required

Why take a DNA maternity test?

A DNA maternity test is suitable if you want to demonstrate the existence of a biological relationship between an alleged mother and a child. The DNA maternity test is similar in principle to a DNA paternity test.

If a child is adopted, he or she may grow up wanting to find their biological parents. It may be that a mother who conceived a child through in vitro fertilisation would like to confirm that the correct embryo was implanted into her uterus. This test is ideal for such situations if someone wants to conclusively prove whether an alleged mother is the true biological mother.

Our maternity tests look at up to 42 DNA markers and examine the child’s DNA and identify which half is inherited from the mother and which half is from the father.

Our international partners use DNA technology to establish whether or not brothers and sisters have the same father or the same father and mother.

Our sibling DNA test has an accuracy rate of 100%. We can perform the sibling analysis without any samples from the mother or father.

We use statistical analysis to evaluate the amount of DNA shared between the individuals tested to deduce a biological relationship. For example, full siblings usually have more DNA in common than half-siblings, while half siblings normally share more DNA than unrelated persons.

Why is this DNA sibling test different?

Unlike a paternity test which will always provide a conclusive result, sibling DNA testing is different. When a sibling test is conducted, the DNA laboratory will determine the genetic profiles of the alleged siblings. Based on the genetic material shared by each sibling, a sibling DNA index or likelihood ratio is calculated to determine the most likely relationship.

A likelihood of greater than 10 supports that the tested individuals are related as siblings, either full or half; whereas a likelihood of less than 0.1 does not support this. A likelihood which falls between 0.1 and 10 is considered inconclusive, which means a relationship cannot be determined, based on the statistical probability obtained from the analysis.

The higher the value of the sibling DNA index, the greater the likelihood that the two individuals are true biological siblings. It is possible to analyse two individuals to determine that they are more likely to share two common parents versus one common parent (i.e., they are full siblings sharing a mother and father) or that it is more likely that they have one parent in common versus them being unrelated (i.e., that they are half-siblings, with a single parent in common).

Zygosity twin testing is used to determine whether multiple children from the same birth (twins, triplets, quadruplets, etc.) are genetically identical or not. If siblings are identical, they are known as monozygotic. This means that they were formed from a single fertilised egg, which went on to split into separate embryos. It also means that their DNA is exactly the same.

Non-identical siblings from the same birth are known as dizygotic (i.e., having two zygotes). Triplets are trizygotic (three zygotes), quadruplets are quadzygotic (four zygotes), and polyzygotic is the umbrella term for multiple zygotes. This means that these siblings are the result of separate fertilised eggs and that they share DNA in common (as in the case of siblings from different births).

Why would you need a twin DNA test?

Siblings that are of different sexes are non identical. Twins of the same sex can start to have different physical features as they grow. Growth patterns (such as hair and eye colour, ear shape, teeth formation, hand and feet appearance) can indicate whether or not the children are identical. By around 2-years-old, their zygosity may be quite clear from their physical features.

Reasons why zygosity twin determination would be required:

• It can be interesting to know whether multiple siblings are identical
• It may have been unclear in utero. Identical twins don’t always share the same placenta and sac: it all depends on when the egg splits
• Parents obviously want to know this information, and sometimes the twins themselves like to know when they’re older
• It can help reinforce the need to treat the siblings as individuals
• It can be useful to know whether multiple siblings are identical
• It can help assess the likelihood of conceiving twins again: there is an increased risk for women who have had non-identical twins

Some illnesses may affect monozygotic children so you would know whether both/all children need testing for a particular condition

You may need this information to participate in any research about multiple births

In addition, some people buy a twin DNA test as a unique gift idea for multiple birth parents or their children and the DNA certificate can be used as a special keepsake or even wall art.

Grandparent DNA tests can be used to establish a biological relationship between an individual and one or more of their alleged grandparents.

One of the main reasons why this grandparent test is performed is when a child’s alleged father is unavailable for paternity testing and the child’s grandparents want to know whether the child is truly related to them.

In a grandparent test, a DNA profile for each individual taking part in the test is produced. Since a child inherits half of his or her genetic profile from each biological parent, when one or more of a child’s parents is unavailable for testing, we can look to the grandparents to determine if they contributed DNA to the child’s genetic profile.

DNA grandparent testing is not as conclusive as paternity or maternity analysis and should only be used when it is not possible to perform these other types of testing.

People who are related usually share more genetic markers than people who are unrelated and an inconclusive DNA grandparent test result could be due to a low number of matching DNA markers between the tested individuals. Alternatively, the markers that are shared between the tested parties could be extremely common within the relevant population.

DNA Aunt Testing (also known as an avuncular test) is often needed when the alleged father or mother is deceased or unwilling to participate in the testing process and the alleged aunt of the child would like to establish their biological relationship with the child. Medilab, albeit 32 years old, has been assisting the General public with solutions of this kind of “DNA aunt tests” for 15 years.

Our DNA test works by comparing an individual’s DNA profile with that of an alleged aunt. Because an individual inherits half of his or her DNA from each biological parent, such a comparison reveals whether the child has inherited DNA from the alleged aunt who is being tested. Due to the nature of the DNA aunt test, we recommend that the alleged aunt who has a claimed biological link to the child should be tested along with the child and their mother (or father, if the aunt is related to the child through the mother) to provide you with the most accurate result. It is recommended that a parent be included but it is not essential to perform the Aunt DNA test.

Please note that the alleged aunt must be a full sibling of the alleged mother or alleged father and not a half-sibling.

This type of DNA testing is also known as avuncular testing. It is usually needed when the alleged mother or father is deceased or unwilling to participate in a test and the alleged uncle of the child would like to establish their biological relationship for legal purposes.

The process involves comparing an individual’s DNA profile with that of an alleged uncle. An individual inherits half of their DNA from each biological parent, therefore our comparison can reveal whether the child has inherited DNA from the alleged uncle who is being tested.

To provide you with the most accurate result, we ask that the alleged uncle who has a claimed biological link to the child should be tested along with the child and their mother (or father, if the uncle is related to the child through the mother).

Please note that the alleged uncle must be a full sibling of the alleged mother or alleged father, and not a half-sibling.

Both toenails and fingernails can be used for nail DNA testing. As many nail clippings as possible are required as this provides more samples to be analysed. The advantage of using toenails over fingernails is that there is less potential for contamination. Acrylic nails, Shellac and other forms of nail varnish may need to be removed as this may impact on the DNA results.

Nail samples can be used for both peace of mind testing and for legal cases but it is important to gain consent for all samples that are sent in to be analysed. For legally defensible results, the nail samples would need to be collected under chain of custody conditions. This means that the nail samples do not leave the custody of those who are legally responsible for ensuring the authenticity of the DNA testing results.

When the nail clippings arrive at our laboratory, the first step is to extract the DNA from them. If a profile can be retrieved, the nail DNA will be analysed for up to 42 DNA Short Tandem Repeats (STR) markers. If a DNA profile cannot be retrieved from the nails, we will contact you and arrange to return the cost of the DNA relationship test. A refund will not be possible for the laboratory work already undertaken for the nail DNA viability study.

Unique Applications of Nail DNA testing

The usual method of sample collection for a DNA test is to rub a mouth swab on the inside of the donor’s cheek to collect cheek (buccal) cells. The DNA is then extracted from the cells when the swabs are returned to the laboratory for testing.

An advantage of the nail DNA test is that samples can be collected in a subtle manner. For example, children don’t need to be made aware that a test is being undertaken. All you need to do is simply send in their collected nail clippings. Such a discreet method may be particularly beneficial in the case of a paternity dispute, for example, where using a swab on older children could lead to awkward questions.

Consent is needed for anyone supplying their DNA for testing. Anyone over the age of 16 would have to sign their own consent, but a parent or guardian with parental responsibility could sign on behalf of a child undertaking DNA testing.

Another application of nail DNA testing is when an individual has passed away. This is in the event of the mouth swab method of DNA collection not working.

Consent would also be needed from the next of kin or another qualifying relative to process a deceased individual’s nail sample. For legal cases, the nails would need to be collected by one of our trained sample collectors, funeral directors or occasionally by coroners. The sample collector must sign the sample collector declaration and a copy of the death certificate may need to be sent in as a form of ID.

The DNA profile produced by the nail DNA test may be needed to prove a biological relationship in the case of probate or will disputes. Alternatively, a DNA profile could be made into a lasting memento of a loved one.

Toothbrush DNA testing service from a laboratory you can trust

Our international partner’s in-house DNA scientists have undertaken viability studies to prove that used toothbrushes can be a good source of DNA. The method of brushing and type of toothpaste used has no effect on the results. Simply send us your used toothbrush and if we can get a DNA profile, we can perform a DNA test in the usual way (fee applies).

When the toothbrushes arrive at the laboratory of our partners, the first step is to extract the DNA from the toothbrush. If a profile can be retrieved, the toothbrush DNA will be analysed for up to 42 DNA Short Tandem Repeats (STR) markers. If a DNA profile cannot be retrieved from the toothbrush, we will contact you and arrange to return the cost of the DNA relationship test. A refund will not be possible for the laboratory work already undertaken for the viability study on the toothbrush.

Discreet DNA sampling method

The usual method of sample collection for an AlphaBiolabs’ DNA test is to rub a swab on the inside of the donor’s cheek to collect cheek (buccal) cells. The DNA is then extracted from the cells when the swabs are returned to the laboratory for testing.

A major advantage of the toothbrush DNA test is that samples can be collected in a subtle manner. For example, children don’t need to be made aware that a test is being undertaken. All you need to do is simply send in their regular used toothbrush. Such a discreet method may be particularly beneficial in the case of a paternity dispute, for example, where using a swab on older children could lead to awkward questions.

Why toothbrush DNA testing?

Consent is needed for anyone supplying their DNA for testing. Anyone over the age of 16 would have to sign their own consent, but a parent or guardian with parental responsibility could sign on behalf of a child undertaking DNA testing. As such, toothbrush DNA testing is aimed at younger donors who need to be unaware of any test taking place.

Another advantage of toothbrush DNA testing is to gain a DNA profile from an individual who has passed away. This is because DNA cannot always be collected from cheek cells using a swab in deceased individuals. However, DNA can be collected from the deceased’s used toothbrush if the next of kin provides consent. If a biological relationship can be proven, a legal DNA test would be needed for probate or will disputes (see Legal DNA testing and nail DNA testing). However, a DNA profile from a toothbrush DNA test could be a lasting memento of a loved one or even turned into a piece of art.

Y DNA test Explained – What is Y Chromosome?

A Y chromosome test (Y-STR test) is used in cases where alleged male relatives wish to confirm they share a common paternal line. All male children inherit their Y chromosome from their father; these children will in turn pass the Y chromosome inherited from their father to their children when they become fathers.

This inheritance pattern means that males coming from the same paternal line will always share the same Y chromosome.

Furthermore, the low mutation rate of the Y chromosome makes this test all the more reliable.

The Y chromosome is only found in males. Females do not have Y chromosomes. This means that although females cannot directly carry out a Y chromosome test, they can ask a male, paternal biological relative to take the test on their behalf.

Why take a single DNA genetic profile test?

DNA contains each person’s unique genetic code. As well as being an accurate way of proving biological relationships, DNA profiling is becoming increasingly popular for individual use.

The information contained within a single DNA genetic profile Technical Data Sheet specifies which alleles are present at which short tandem repeat (STR) loci. Our partners examine up to 42 STR markers in each DNA profile. Having such unique information can be useful for comparison with friends and family. In addition, some people use their genetic profile to create an exclusive piece of art, which they display in their home or place of work. It also makes a novel gift. A single DNA genetic profile of a new baby, for example, makes a unique present for parents and relatives. As only cheek cells are needed, the DNA sample can be easily obtained.

Having a single DNA profile test is important if you are planning to work in high-risk areas or in an occupation that may be deemed dangerous. In the event of an accident, having your DNA profile already documented may make body identification easier and your profile is available for paternity or maternity testing if required.

This test cannot be used for legal purposes and is just for your information only

Our DNA gender test can accurately and non-invasively determine the gender of a baby before birth.

Ultrasound is often used to determine the gender of an unborn baby during a mid-pregnancy scan at around 16 weeks. However, this shouldn’t be relied upon because it can often give wrong results. If the technician can’t get a clear view of the baby’s genitals, it may not be possible to tell for sure. The baby may be positioned awkwardly, the scan may not be as clear as needed or the technician may not have the sufficient expertise to interpret the image. The only way to scientifically determine the gender of your baby – at a much earlier stage of your pregnancy – is with a baby gender DNA test.

How does the baby gender test work?

The gender test requires a blood sample from the mother. This blood sample is processed to determine if a foetal DNA is present within the mother’s bloodstream. Our DNA scientists use a laboratory technique called Next Generation Sequencing to analyse the expectant mother’s blood and look for any Y-chromosomal DNA.

Everyone has a pair of sex chromosomes in each cell. The Y chromosome is present in males, who have one X and one Y chromosome, while females have two X chromosomes. As the Y chromosome is male-specific, the detection of a Y chromosome is indicative of a male child. If foetal DNA is detected without a Y chromosome it is indicative of a female child.

Quick, accurate and safe test

The gender baby test is a non-invasive DNA test, which means that there is no risk to the mother or the unborn child when taking this test. A blood sample is all that is needed, which is usually taken from the mother’s arm. However, the mother must be at least 8 weeks pregnant to ensure that any Y chromosome present is at a detectable level.

The results will be available in 10 or 15 working days.

Please note that the results of the baby’s gender DNA test are for information purposes to help with planning for your baby’s arrival. Knowledge of the gender of the baby can help when preparing baby showers, decorating nurseries and buying clothes, etc. The results of this test are not to be used for the purpose of gender selection.

100% safe, even in early pregnancy

Our prenatal paternity test carries no risk of miscarriage. It’s the UK’s most accurate non-invasive prenatal DNA test and can be performed as early as seven weeks into pregnancy.

Imagine within the same period, you had multiple affairs with different men. Now you are pregnant and not sure who the father of the unborn child is. How do you wrap your head around this? Especially where say one of them would ask awkward questions and could lead to a lot of family troubles. Say one is your husband and the other is not. At this point, it would be a lot an easier pill to swallow requesting your partner who is not your husband to join you in doing the Pregnancy Paternity Test. So you can find the pressing answers you need.

Frequently Asked Questions

How accurate is a prenatal paternity test?

Our prenatal paternity test results are 100% accurate based on the samples we receive. Our partners test all of their exclusion results twice, so you can be confident that your result is completely accurate.

We also provide at least 99% probability of paternity where the father is confirmed as the biological father.

However, the scientific limitations of prenatal paternity testing mean that in a very small number of tests, a conclusive result isn’t always guaranteed. Although other testing companies may promise guaranteed results, this is not true. 

As a trusted and accredited laboratory, it is important for us to make you aware of this outcome.

In some cases, the mother’s blood sample may contain insufficient cell-free DNA (cfDNA) from the foetus. This can lead to an inconclusive result

How does the prenatal paternity test work?

Our non-invasive prenatal DNA testing provides the most accurate way to determine paternity before birth. It uses a state-of-the-art process which combines the latest DNA technology and unique methods of preserving the baby’s DNA, which is naturally found in the mother’s bloodstream after 7 weeks into the pregnancy.

What exactly does non-invasive mean?

One of the best ways to explain non-invasive is to look at the opposite approach: an invasive DNA paternity test. The traditional invasive prenatal paternity tests require that cells be obtained from either the amniotic fluid or the placenta.

The non-invasive paternity test uses a simple blood sample from the mother and therefore does not require a needle to be inserted into the womb.

When is the earliest I can take the prenatal paternity test?

Non-invasive prenatal paternity testing can be carried out as early as 7 weeks into the pregnancy. You can use our pregnancy calculator to work out how many weeks pregnant you are.

How safe is the test? What are the risks?

With our unique, non-invasive prenatal paternity test, there is no risk to the mother or baby.

How accurate is the DNA test?

This is the most advanced prenatal paternity test currently available. We provide at least 99% probability of paternity where the father is confirmed as being the biological father.

What are the chances of getting a conclusive result?

In the majority of cases, we provide at least 99% probability of paternity where the father is confirmed as being the biological father.

However, a conclusive result cannot always be guaranteed because of the scientific limitations of non-invasive prenatal paternity testing.

In the unlikely event of inconclusive results, we offer up to two additional tests free of charge (after the mother is at least 9 weeks into the pregnancy) with newly collected samples. However, you are responsible for the cost of all blood sample collections.

In approximately 3–5% of cases, foetal DNA never reaches a sufficient level for successful testing. This is considered an inconclusive result and we will therefore refund the cost of your prenatal paternity test.

What samples are required?

Two mouth swabs are needed from the alleged father and a blood sample from the mother.

Is a sample needed from the alleged father?

Yes. We need samples from both the mother and alleged father.

Can the samples be collected at different locations?

The samples do not need to be collected at the same location. However, the samples should be collected around the same time to avoid any delays and the risk of the blood samples haemolysing

What are the options for sample collection?

The blood samples are time-sensitive and need to be collected by a trained nurse, a phlebotomist, or a MEDILAB’s fully trained sample collector. The mouth swabs also ideally need to be collected by MEDILAB’s sample collector. Both of these samples can be collected at the same time, or separately, at one of our nationwide Walk-in Centres.

We can also arrange to have one of our trained sample collectors visit your home, or anywhere else convenient, to collect your samples. These two options ensure that the samples are collected correctly and are then safely returned to our laboratory for testing by our international partners.

What if a re-collection is required?

If the blood or mouth swabs have insufficient DNA then an appointment can be arranged to recollect up to two additional samples. Please note that you will be responsible for the costs of these additional recollections. However, the additional tests themselves will be free of charge. If the testing is still unsuccessful after this time, results will not be possible and we will refund the cost of your prenatal paternity test.

When do I get my results?

Results can be made available in 10–15 working days

How much does the prenatal DNA test cost?

Results can be made available in 10-15 working days for GHC 7500

How do I order a prenatal DNA test?

You can order your test here and one of our Customer Services team will be in touch to arrange your sample collections.

Alternatively, you can email info@medilabghana.com or call Customer Services on +233542587300 // +233596177443. We can talk you through the process and outline the next steps.