Newcastle DNA testing outfit to grow after Ministry of Justice accreditation

Newcaslte-based DNA testing company, NorthGene Limited has gained Ministry of Justice accreditation which could lead to growth of its operations in the region.

The Science City-supported firm is one of the UK’s first commercial DNA testing companies and are now among the very few accredited by the Ministry of Justice to carray out DNA paternity and maternity tests.

Based at the International Centre for Life in Newcastle, the company carries out legal DNA testing for coroners, solicitors, local councils and the general public, alongside additional drug and alcohol testing and cell line verification services for research and clinical laboratories.

Marie Whitehouse, managing director at NorthGene commented: “We are delighted to be one of the very few UK-based laboratories accredited by the Ministry of Justice to carry out DNA paternity and maternity tests where the court gives a ‘Section 20 direction’.

“We’d like to thank the team at Newcastle Science City for their support in gaining funding which made this accreditation possible, and will ultimately allow us to expand our in-house testing portfolio and embrace additional Forensic DNA testing services too.”

Glen Kemp, business support manager at Newcastle Science City said: “To secure accreditation by the Ministry of Justice is a prestigious achievement and a huge milestone in NorthGene’s development.

“The company has gone from strength to strength, and it’s extremely rewarding to have played a role in helping to achieve this latest stage of what is sure to be a long and prosperous journey for the company.”

*the legal DNA tests are under section 20 of the Family Law Reform Act 1969.