DIY paternity tests sold online

The test is ordered directly from the website

A website is offering DIY tests to parents unsure of the paternity of their child.

The test from dadcheck.com involves rubbing a soft brush around the inside of the mouth to provide a DNA sample, instead of complicated blood tests.

The Sunderland-based company, Complement Genetics, promises an accurate result within five to 10 days.

Chief executive Dr Neil Sullivan, said the test was the first from a UK-based company and adhered to government guidelines on paternity testing.

We would not test anyone without the written consent of the parent who is responsible for the child

Dr Neil Sullivan

He told BBC News Online they were offering "peace of mind".

He said: "Many people are put off by paternity test websites which are tricky to understand, full of technical terms, and don't get across what you need to know.

"We really wanted to offer a UK-based service helping people through what can be a very difficult process.

"We also advise people to get support through the testing process and offer links to services on our website."

The kit costs up to £469 and tests the mother, alleged father and a third person if required.

Parental consent

It can be carried out at home, or by a GP, and the samples sent back to Complement Genomics for analysis.

The confidential results are returned within five to 10 days and are between 99.9% and 100% accurate.

Dr Sullivan said no testing would be done without consent of the parent responsible for the child concerned.

He said: "If someone feels they need a paternity test they would contact us through a freefone number where we would take down various details and send them a consent form.

"We would not test anyone without the written consent of the parent who is responsible for the child.

"Some companies who offer DIY kits do not ask for consent, which can involve some people sneaking around and taking hair samples from their child without the other parent's knowledge."

Code of practice

Nearly 9,000 tests were carried out in the UK last year compared to around 6,000 in 1998.

In a statement to BBC News Online, the Department of Health said the government set new guidelines about paternity testing in April.

The Code of Practice on Paternity Testing Services sets out the standards organisations must meet if they provide genetic paternity testing services in the UK.

It was drawn up specifically in response to concerns about the increase in DNA paternity tests being advertised in the press or on the internet.

It includes guidance on customer information, consent to testing, training and competence of staff, confidentiality, quality assurance of testing and laboratory procedures, advice on counselling and issues relating to children under 16.

Public Health Minister Yvette Cooper said the guidelines made it more difficult for unscrupulous companies to break into the industry.