Alpha Biolabs: Everything You Need To Know
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Alpha Biolabs: Everything You Need To Know
Date of Content: March 20, 2024
Written by: Avanthika Nityanand
Reviewed by: Maarit Tiirikainen, PhD
Alpha Biolabs, established in August 2004 in UK, specializes in DNA, drug, alcohol, and health testing. They offer services to many different types of clients, including the public, legal professionals, social workers, businesses, healthcare providers, and the media. The company operates an extensive laboratory in the UK, accredited under ISO 17025 and ISO 9001 standards, ensuring compliance with international quality management and testing calibration. The Ministry of Justice also recognizes them to carry out DNA relationship tests as directed by the civil courts in England and Wales.
Alpha Biolabs conducts various tests, handling biological samples such as cheek cell DNA, urine, oral fluid, hair, nails, and blood. The company provides testing kits at home and within professional settings. Their services include paternity testing, other DNA testing, and a range of drug and alcohol testing options. For legal and social work professionals, they offer free sample collection services at their network of walk-in centers across the UK and Ireland.
The testing processes align with the standards of the Society of Hair Testing, an international body that outlines the best hair analysis practices.
Services
Alpha Biolabs offers four types of services:
- Testing for the public: They offer award-winning services that include DNA, drug, alcohol, and health testing, as well as testing related to official matters.
- Testing for the legal sector: They provide court-approved DNA, drug, and alcohol testing services specifically catered to solicitors, social workers, and local authorities.
- Testing for the workplace: The company offers fully accredited and custom drug, alcohol, and health testing solutions for businesses in the UK.
- Partnership program: The company invites professional entities to join its testing services program as partners.
Testing for the Public
If you are interested in getting an Alpha Biolabs test, here are some test options:
DNA Tests
AlphaBiolabs provides services to individuals seeking to discover their familial relationships. The company operates an accredited DNA laboratory capable of conducting various DNA tests. These tests cover a broad spectrum, including paternity, non-invasive prenatal paternity (NIPP), maternity, sibling, twin, grandparent, and aunt/uncle tests.
The procedure for most DNA tests at AlphaBiolabs is straightforward, requiring only a simple cheek swab. This method allows individuals to collect their samples conveniently at home. Beyond the standard cheek swab, AlphaBiolabs provides alternative DNA sample collection methods, such as Toothbrush and Nail DNA Testing, catering to diverse needs and preferences.
It is vital to highlight that the DNA tests offered by AlphaBiolabs are designed solely for personal information and are not admissible in legal proceedings. Individuals requiring DNA evidence for legal contexts, such as court cases, are directed to obtain a legal DNA test specifically designed for such purposes.
The full list of Tests & the Pricing
Y Chromosome Testing
The Y chromosome test kit, designed for ease of use and non-invasiveness, includes mouth swabs gently rubbed inside the cheek to collect DNA from cheek cells, eliminating the need for needles. The test kit is sent directly to the customer’s preferred address in discreet, plain packaging to ensure complete confidentiality. Y Chromosome DNA Testing is USD 255 (£199), which includes free shipping. This service provides a comprehensive analysis of 27 loci, with the option for next-day results.
Single DNA Genetic Profile Test
This test is for individuals working in high-risk areas or dangerous occupations. For such individuals, having a documented DNA profile can be crucial. In the event of an accident, a pre-recorded DNA profile significantly aids in body identification. It can also be utilized for paternity or maternity testing if necessary.
DNA Origins Ancestry Test
AlphaBiolabs offers a DNA origins ancestry test priced at USD 165 (£129) to identify an individual’s biogeographic ancestry. This test estimates the individual’s ancestry percentages across various populations, including European, African, Asian, American, and Middle Eastern. The process involves laboratory analysis of DNA samples collected via simple cheek swabs. After the analysis, individuals get a report detailing their ancestral composition in percentage terms. The results of this test are typically available within seven days of ordering.
The Alpha Biolabs Ancestry tests also include Paternal Lineage Ancestry and Maternal Lineage ancestry. Check updated pricing here.
Mitochondrial DNA Sequencing
Mitochondria possess a circular independent genome, spanning 16,569 base pairs and a non-coding control region that measures approximately 1,160 base pairs. Within each eukaryotic cell, there are between 100 to 10,000 copies of mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA), a significantly higher copy number than that of nuclear DNA. The abundance of mtDNA, even in limited or degraded samples, makes mtDNA analysis a viable option in instances where nuclear DNA analysis is not successful.
The circular structure of mtDNA contributes to its resilience against environmental and enzymatic degradation, making it more stable over time than nuclear DNA. This stability allows for the analysis of ancient samples.
Additionally, mtDNA is inherited maternally, enabling the determination of matrilineal ancestry. Next Generation Sequencing (NGS) techniques are employed for the analysis of mitochondrial DNA, offering options for either control region sequencing or whole genome sequencing. This method proves effective, especially in cases where analysis of nuclear DNA has been unsuccessful.
Health Tests
Alpha Biolabs offers a comprehensive suite of health tests. These tests include screening for sexually transmitted infections/diseases (STIs/STDs), genetic predisposition to celiac disease, and genetic lactose intolerance. The laboratory’s home STI testing kits are discreet and reliable, designed to screen for common pathogens such as chlamydia, gonorrhea, syphilis, herpes, and HIV.
Hepatitis B Immunity Test
Hepatitis B is identified as a liver infection caused by the hepatitis B virus (HBV), leading to inflammation and enlargement of the liver. Transmission of the virus occurs through contact with blood or other body fluids from an infected individual. Symptoms of hepatitis B can vary, including nausea, loss of appetite, flu-like symptoms such as fever, fatigue, general body aches, and jaundice, characterized by the yellowing of the skin and the whites of the eyes. Infections range from mild, short-term illnesses to chronic conditions that can result in long-term liver damage.
Alpha Biolabs Hepatitis B Immunity test is designed to accurately and reliably determine hepatitis B immunity levels using an easy-to-use home test kit. For enhanced confidentiality, secure, password-protected results are emailed directly to the individual. The test requires only a simple finger prick blood sample, making it accessible and minimally invasive for users.
Home Drug & Alcohol Tests
Individuals with concerns about a child or family member’s potential drug or alcohol use or those seeking tests for other personal reasons may find non-invasive at-home drug and alcohol test kits to be a suitable option. These kits require only a urine sample, fingernail clippings, or toenail clippings to conduct the test. By utilizing these kits, individuals can obtain the necessary information to address their concerns, whether it be to alleviate worries or to seek support for a loved one struggling with substance misuse.
In addition to these test kits, there is an option for real-time, continuous alcohol monitoring through the use of SCRAM CAM®, a noninvasive ankle monitor. This device detects traces of alcohol in sweat and can play a significant role in supporting an individual’s recovery from alcohol misuse. The application of SCRAM CAM® offers a method for monitoring alcohol levels continuously, providing an innovative tool for those working towards overcoming alcohol dependence.
Drug & Alcohol Tests for Official Matters
This option is for individuals needing private drug or alcohol testing for official matters—such as employment requirements, private legal proceedings, or other formal reasons.
The testing methods available include analyses of urine, oral fluid (saliva), hair, nails, blood, and continuous alcohol monitoring using SCRAM CAM®.
To guarantee the credibility and acceptability of the test results for official purposes, all samples are collected following stringent chain of custody procedures. This ensures that various official bodies will recognize and accept the results, including employers, courts, educational institutions, and government agencies.
Testing for the Legal Sector
Legal DNA Testing
Legal DNA testing is a straightforward and reliable method for establishing biological relationships between individuals. A broad spectrum of legal DNA tests is available, encompassing paternity tests, noninvasive legal prenatal paternity tests, maternity tests, Y chromosome analysis, single profile tests, complex relationship evaluations, and viability testing. These tests are designed to meet various legal requirements and personal inquiries regarding familial connections.
Results from these tests, which can be delivered on the same day or the next day, are recognized by several authoritative bodies. This includes the Family Court, the Ministry of Justice, the Child Maintenance Service, UK Visas and Immigration, and the Home Office. Such accreditation ensures that the outcomes are suitable for various legal purposes.
Both members of the public and legal professionals utilize these legal DNA testing services for multiple reasons. These encompass resolving child maintenance and custody disputes, addressing child welfare concerns, settling inheritance disputes, and assisting with immigration cases by supporting visa or citizenship applications, as well as matters related to probate. These tests’ reliability and quick turnaround make them a critical resource for those needing to establish or dispute biological relationships in legal contexts.
Under this umbrella, Alpha Biolabs also offers Legal Drug Testing and Legal Alcohol Testing. Check for pricing and other details here.
Privacy
AlphaBiolabs enforces 100% confidentiality and prioritizes data security to ensure its customers’ privacy during DNA testing. The company takes several measures to protect customer privacy: it keeps all correspondence confidential, especially since DNA relationship testing can be sensitive. To avoid recognition in correspondence, the company name is not listed on bank statements for online payment transactions. Testing kits are dispatched in discreet, unbranded packaging to further maintain privacy.
Data protection extends to requiring passwords or answers to unique security questions before discussing test details, with reports sent as password-protected PDF files. AlphaBiolabs commits to not selling customer data, limiting access to personal information to necessary personnel only, who are bound by confidentiality obligations. Security measures are in place to prevent unauthorized access to personal data, including using secure servers for financial transactions and appropriate physical, electronic, and managerial safeguards.
Compliance with the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) is strictly observed, with DNA samples destroyed after three months and identification documents eliminated after 12 months. For more information on DNA testing services or further assistance, AlphaBiolabs encourages you to visit their website or contact them directly.
Alternative to Alpha Biolabs: Why LifeDNA?
LifeDNA has emerged as a prominent option for analyzing existing DNA data from 23andMe and many other raw data sources in addition to offering our own proprietary sample collection kits. Our reports feature a combination of unique offerings and a commitment to personalized wellness.
We offer a basic DNA raw data analysis package to kickstart your journey. Users with raw data from 23andMe, AncestryDNA, etc., can access 194+ traits across interest areas such as Nutrition, Wellness, Vitamins and Supplements, Personality, Fitness, Sleep, Methylation, and Skincare.
Further, if you do not have raw DNA data, such as from 23andMe, LifeDNA provides that too. Start your personalized wellness journey with LifeDNA’s state-of-the-art DNA kits here.
Here is why many regard LifeDNA as the best option for making the most of your 23andMe, AncestryDNA, and other raw data:
- Holistic Approach to Wellness: Unlike many other platforms that focus strictly on health-related risks or ancestry, LifeDNA adopts a holistic approach. We analyze genetic data to offer personalized optimizations for nutrition (including a customized grocery list!), skin care, vitamins & supplements, wellness, personality & cognition, and fitness. This range lets users get a complete picture of their wellness needs based on their DNA.
- Product Recommendations: We go beyond just providing insights. We offer specific product recommendations, skincare ingredients, or supplements tailored to an individual’s genetic profile. It makes our service actionable, allowing users to make immediate changes based on their results.
- Data Security: At LifeDNA, we place a high emphasis on protecting user data. Our commitment to privacy ensures that users can trust the platform with their sensitive genetic information.
- User-Friendly Reports: LifeDNA reports are easy to interpret. Our reports are designed to be accessible to the layperson without compromising on the depth and accuracy of the information.
- Continual Updates: As genetic research evolves, so does LifeDNA’s platform. Users can expect their reports and insights to be updated with the latest scientific findings.
- Dedicated Research and Development: At LifeDNA, we invest in research to continually refine our algorithms, ensuring that the insights provided are based on cutting-edge science.
- Educational Resources: LifeDNA also provides ample resources for users to understand their genetic makeup better. This education-first approach demystifies the complex world of genetics, making it approachable and actionable for everyone.
- Scientific rigor: To create an unmatched commitment to scientific rigor, LifeDNA partners with CLIA-certified, CAP-accredited, and HIPAA-compliant laboratories.
Customer Reviews
*Understanding your genetics can offer valuable insights into your well-being, but it is not deterministic. Your traits can be influenced by the complex interplay involving nature, lifestyle, family history, and others.
Our reports and suggestions do not diagnose or treat any health conditions or provide any medical advice. Consult with a healthcare professional before making any major lifestyle changes or if you have any other concerns about your results.
