Why we work with Crystal Health
We are happy to recommend Crystal Health because they offer the 'gold standard' in human relationship DNA testing.
Follow this link to our scientific partners at Crystal Health.
Why are we offering a DNA parenthood testing service?
The Bristol Natural Health Service management have decided to include DNA parenthood testing in association with Crystal Health. We have looked carefully at the arguments for and against DNA testing and come to the following conclusions:
DNA parenthood testing is more about knowledge and the right to personal knowledge than it is about DNA. We are constantly leaving a trail of our DNA wherever we go (ask any forensic scientist). Hairs, stamps that have been licked, a tooth/hair brush - even cigarette ends or chewing gum contain DNA. We believe people have the right to know the truth about their biological relationships - though there is no duty for them to know.
It is broadly better to know the truth about our relationships sooner rather than later-Why? Here are 2 common scenarios that illustrate:
A man tests the DNA of his child because he suspects the child is not his own. The test shows that he is right the child is not his. If the man's wife has had an affair the relationship is in trouble already (regardless of any test) so far there has been adultery and an attempt to keep the truth from the husband and child. Trust has already broken down-hence the test. The clarity brought about by the result of the test may bring about an end to the relationship sooner rather than later. This may be less damaging for all concerned. The child has the right to know who its real father is even if the mother does not wish that. Children after all have rights too.
In the second common scenario a man tests the DNA of his child because he suspects it is not his own. He discovers the child is his own. He feels closer and more loving towards both.
In a world where genetics knowledge can contribute to understanding much more about our health issues it is wrong for people to be mislead or to be prevented from knowing the truth about themselves. Mothers frequently know the parenthood answers. Testing allows men and children the same level of knowledge.
The service is already available by post and widely advertised on the Internet. There has been a well-publicised case of an unscrupulous company giving people false untested 'results' at random. This was a terrible crime against those affected and had devastating effects on public confidence. Providing Bristol with a walk in service where the testing is done by a respected company and where counselling is available on site will do much for the confidence of those needing the service and provide support where it is needed.
Accuracy of the DNA Parenthood test
Crystal Health, who carry out the tests are at the gold standard end of this work. The company that analyses DNA samples used to convict criminals uses tests that analyse 8 genetic locations, Crystal Health analyse and compare 16 locations. This is the gold standard for human identification. The test accuracy is as follows:
100% for exclusion (negative result).
99.9999+% for an inclusion (positive result). 100% accuracy is not possible for an inclusion for statistical reasons. To describe an individual as the biological father of a child with 100% accuracy, every man in the whole world must also be tested and ruled out - this is the same for criminal identification cases.
We are happy to recommend Crystal Health because they offer the 'gold standard' in human relationship DNA testing.
- The tests carried out by Crystal Health are more accurate than those used for forensic evidence by the police.
- They can be used for legal purposes or just for 'peace of mind'.
- We have been working with them for over 5 years.
Follow this link to our scientific partners at Crystal Health.
Why are we offering a DNA parenthood testing service?
The Bristol Natural Health Service management have decided to include DNA parenthood testing in association with Crystal Health. We have looked carefully at the arguments for and against DNA testing and come to the following conclusions:
DNA parenthood testing is more about knowledge and the right to personal knowledge than it is about DNA. We are constantly leaving a trail of our DNA wherever we go (ask any forensic scientist). Hairs, stamps that have been licked, a tooth/hair brush - even cigarette ends or chewing gum contain DNA. We believe people have the right to know the truth about their biological relationships - though there is no duty for them to know.
It is broadly better to know the truth about our relationships sooner rather than later-Why? Here are 2 common scenarios that illustrate:
A man tests the DNA of his child because he suspects the child is not his own. The test shows that he is right the child is not his. If the man's wife has had an affair the relationship is in trouble already (regardless of any test) so far there has been adultery and an attempt to keep the truth from the husband and child. Trust has already broken down-hence the test. The clarity brought about by the result of the test may bring about an end to the relationship sooner rather than later. This may be less damaging for all concerned. The child has the right to know who its real father is even if the mother does not wish that. Children after all have rights too.
In the second common scenario a man tests the DNA of his child because he suspects it is not his own. He discovers the child is his own. He feels closer and more loving towards both.
In a world where genetics knowledge can contribute to understanding much more about our health issues it is wrong for people to be mislead or to be prevented from knowing the truth about themselves. Mothers frequently know the parenthood answers. Testing allows men and children the same level of knowledge.
The service is already available by post and widely advertised on the Internet. There has been a well-publicised case of an unscrupulous company giving people false untested 'results' at random. This was a terrible crime against those affected and had devastating effects on public confidence. Providing Bristol with a walk in service where the testing is done by a respected company and where counselling is available on site will do much for the confidence of those needing the service and provide support where it is needed.
Accuracy of the DNA Parenthood test
Crystal Health, who carry out the tests are at the gold standard end of this work. The company that analyses DNA samples used to convict criminals uses tests that analyse 8 genetic locations, Crystal Health analyse and compare 16 locations. This is the gold standard for human identification. The test accuracy is as follows:
100% for exclusion (negative result).
99.9999+% for an inclusion (positive result). 100% accuracy is not possible for an inclusion for statistical reasons. To describe an individual as the biological father of a child with 100% accuracy, every man in the whole world must also be tested and ruled out - this is the same for criminal identification cases.