Why Are We Different?

WHY USE INTERNATIONAL BIOSCIENCES?

Our Top Quality Service Level comprises:

  1. • Technical excellence from the foremost DNA testing and forensic laboratories in the world
  2. • Knowledgeable front-line staff with top-quality backup technical support for more complex enquiries
  3. • A level of customer service that is second-to-none with DNA test results consistently delivered in 4 working days along with Paternity Test and Maternity Test results.
  4. • Telephones manned by humans rather than voicemail
  5. • Email enquiries answered promptly, 7 days per week
  6. • A website that is easy to understand and with our contact details and credentials clearly displayed

COST

We are not a discount provider, and as such we do not seek to provide the cheapest DNA testing service in the marketplace. We have negotiated with many different laboratories worldwide who can provide a service to our exacting standards at a price that ensures both competitiveness and satisfactory service. We continually monitor the cost of our DNA testing services in comparison to our competitors to ensure that we offer a cost effective solution for our clients.

ETHOS

We have ensured that our business is established utilising the highest ethical standards both professionally and morally. This is indicated by our association with a number of high profile institutions and our transparent management style. We comply with the Department of Health’s Code of Practice and Guidance on Genetic Paternity Testing Services.

CUSTOMER SERVICE

We encourage our clients to contact us via their preferred medium and hope to provide immediate response where appropriate. We encourage a business environment where, in the unlikely event of a query or complaint, our senior management is immediately on hand to address issues.

QUALITY CONTROL

We take pride in the quality and integrity of our DNA testing and have a quality assurance programme in place to make sure that all our results are accurate. This quality assurance programme runs all DNA samples twice and double-checks the results to provide absolute confidence that the DNA test results you receive are correct.

The International Organization for Standardization (ISO) 17025 is the world standard in the certification of competence of testing and calibration of analytical laboratories. ISO 17025 certification ensures a high level of competence and compliance for the certified laboratory, ensuring that testing is undertaken by professionals.

HUMAN GENETICS COMMISSION

A Common Framework of Principles for Direct-to-Consumer Genetic Testing Services

The Human Genetics Commission, the Government’s advisory body on human genetics, has undertaken a major consultation to create a Framework for practices surrounding commercial activity in this area.

As the UK’s leading provider of DNA testing services for consumers, International Biosciences was asked to contribute to the consultation, making constructive recommendations on the content of the Framework, and how it can best support individuals who purchase genetic testing products.

These Principles for direct-to-consumer genetic tests were published in August 2010.

The Principles determine the standards that test providers should work within when providing genetic testing services directly to the public. They apply to all situations where it is possible for a consumer to purchase a test without prescription from a qualified medical professional, including tests that are ordered directly by a consumer or a non-medical intermediary acting on the consumer’s behalf.

The Principles cover all aspects of direct-to-consumer genetic testing services including:

  1. • the marketing of tests
  2. • information for consumers
  3. • counselling and support
  4. • consent and data protection
  5. • the laboratory analysis of biological samples and
  6. • the levels of support that should accompany the genetic test results

International Biosciences has a reputation of pioneering good practices in DNA testing, and as such will be an enthusiastic supporter of the Framework document.

To download a copy of the Framework of Principles please visit www.hgc.gov.uk

PROFESSIONAL ASSOCIATIONS

We have scoured the marketplace to forge relationships with numerous providers of DNA profiling and as such have negotiated service standards which are second to none. Because of this we do not have to accept substandard service, neither should our clients.