DNA testing

Re F (children) DNA Evidence [2008] EWHC 3235 (Fam); NLJ 1 February 1 p183

DNA testing was ordered to ascertain to what extent eight children were related to each other or who their respective parents might be. The order provided for the cross-referencing of the children’s testing in order to identify a sibling relationships. The testing was a disaster. The company was unable to link donors with samples because photographs were missing from its database. It transpired upon further investigation that some 122 cases were affected by the loss of photographs. According to the company, DNA Diagnostics, the loss was the result of the installation of a new computer system. The Court gave detailed guidance as to the proper course to be taken for court-ordered DNA testing in the future.