Terms & Conditions

1. NorthGene is registered in England under Company No 2914392. Our office is based in the Institute of Human Genetics, International Centre for Life, Central Parkway, Newcastle upon Tyne, NE1 3BZ.

2. In these terms “sample” shall mean any biological sample accepted by NorthGene for DNA analysis. “DNA testing” and “DNA analysis” shall refer to any type of relationship analysis and shall be carried out using whatever genetic test(s) is/are deemed necessary by LGC Forensics or our Molecular Genetics Department.

3. All fees payable for this service are quoted exclusive of VAT. The standard fee per person for a test will cover the provision of a sampling kit, the performance of DNA testing, the analysis of the test results and the provision of a DNA report. The standard fee does not include:

• i) Any fees or costs associated with either the taking of samples or their return to NorthGene;
• ii) The attendance of an Expert Witness at Court hearings;
• iii) Any extra scientific work required in forensic science investigations.

4. NorthGene will only carry out DNA testing when the following have been supplied:

• i) Completion of our registration document
• ii) Receipt of all samples relevant to the purpose for which the test is required.

5. Payment of the required fee is required prior to testing or, in a legal case, agreement to pay against an invoice sent out with our DNA report. Our standard terms are 60 days from the invoice date. NorthGene reserves the right to withhold the DNA report until payment is made in full. It is the responsibility of the referring solicitor to ensure that full payment is made by all parties.

6. NorthGene does not accept responsibility for the acts or ommisions of external samplers (e.g. doctors/nurses/Embassies).

7. NorthGene reserves the right to request further samples at the expense of the person requesting the DNA analysis in cases where the quantity or quality of the sample received is not adequate or does not comply with the instructions issued with the testing kit.

8. NorthGene will endeavour to produce a report within a reasonable time but cannot accept any responsibility for any delay however occasioned.

9. NorthGene will undertake the DNA analysis on the understanding that the final report will be made available to all persons who have provided a sample(s) or who have a lawful interest in the outcome of the test and to any Court that has ordered the analysis or disclosure of the report. Reports will only be disclosed in writing.

10. Any sample will not be released to any other person or organisation without the donor’s written consent or a Court order.