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COA Awareness Week 2026: Supporting children affected by parental alcohol misuse

For many children, home is a place of comfort and security. But for others, home is a place of uncertainty, where a parent’s drinking casts a long shadow over daily life. Running from 8-14 February, COA Awareness Week shines a light on the often-hidden struggles faced by Children of Alcoholics (COAs) – young people growing […]

Boy or girl? Debunking baby gender prediction myths

For as long as humans have been having babies, we’ve been fascinated by the question: is it a boy or a girl? Before modern-day scientific advancements, the only way to find out was to wait until the baby arrived. In the meantime, families would often turn to old wives’ tales or traditional beliefs in the […]

Can you get a paternity test while pregnant? Everything you need to know

Finding out that you’re expecting a baby can be one of life’s most emotional and transformative experiences. But for some, the excitement of pregnancy can be accompanied by uncertainty, especially if you’re not sure who the baby’s father is. If you find yourself in this situation, it’s important to know that you’re not alone. Many […]

Unexpected results: Street drug contamination and poly drug use

As a leading provider of ISO 17025-accredited, legally-instructed drug testing, we are frequently asked to explain how a sample donor could test positive for a substance they claim never to have used. These queries are increasingly common, particularly in family law cases where drug testing is used to assess parenting capacity, monitor abstinence, or confirm […]

Baby gender testing: How it works

For many expectant parents, discovering the sex of their baby is an exciting and significant milestone in their pregnancy journey. Whether it’s to start preparing the nursery, picking out names, or simply to satisfy curiosity, knowing your baby’s sex can help you feel even more connected to your growing family. Thanks to advances in DNA […]

Dry January 2026: Why taking a break from alcohol matters

Many people choose to start a new year with a renewed focus on health and wellbeing. One increasingly popular way to do this is by taking part in Dry January – an international campaign that encourages people to take a break from alcohol for 31 days. First launched in the UK in 2013, Dry January […]

DNA testing and family dynamics: Preparing for the emotional impact of results

DNA testing can offer clarity and answers in situations where uncertainty has lingered – particularly when it comes to family relationships. Whether it’s a paternity or prenatal paternity test to confirm biological parentage, or a sibling test to establish a shared connection, the results can bring up sensitive issues that may affect family dynamics. Being […]

Christmas Gift Guide 2025: Unique DNA gifts to make the season extra special

As the festive season approaches, many of us begin the annual search for the perfect Christmas gift – something thoughtful, memorable, and a little out of the ordinary. In recent years, the focus has shifted away from traditional, tangible presents and towards more meaningful, experience-based gifts that bring people closer together. Whether it’s a gift […]

Avuncular DNA Testing: When an Aunt/Uncle DNA Test answers paternity questions

When questions arise about a person’s biological father, DNA testing can provide clear and reliable answers. However, there are circumstances where a traditional paternity test is not possible – for example, if the potential father is deceased, unavailable, or unwilling to participate. In these circumstances, an avuncular DNA test is a helpful alternative. An avuncular […]