Nick Hodson, an associate at Stephensons Solicitors, instructed DNA Diagnostics in a recent child abuse case in the High Court in Manchester, involving eight youngsters whose parentage was in question.

However, shortcomings in the testing company's systems threatened to undermine the highly complex case, potentially harming the children's futures. It led the judge, Anthony Hayden QC, to call for regulation of DNA test firms used in family cases. The court heard the company lost vital details in 122 cases, which meant that the findings could not be relied upon.

Judge Hayden lifted the secrecy rules surrounding family law cases to make a public judgment expressing his concern and to issue rules for testing companies.
"This is a company that has been widely instructed by the legal profession in whom members of the public and those who have parental responsibility for children have reposted a high degree of trust and confidence," he said in the judgment.

He accused DNA Diagnostics of a systematic failure and said that "procedural and professional deficiencies that have been identified ... would have made it quite impossible for any court to rely on its conclusions."
DNA Diagnostics told the court that it had addressed the problems and was seeking accreditation.
Mr Hodson was the lead solicitor on behalf of the children.

He said: "DNA testing has become a major factor in family proceedings, taking particular precedence in recent years. This rise in demand has created huge growth in the market, to such an extent there are now many testing companies making their services available in the UK.
"Although the vast majority are legitimate and offer a highly-valued service, there are concerns the reliability of the tests are being diluted due to a few 'rogue traders'."

Mr Hodson added: "DNA is a trusted source in family law, and these companies are in a position of power and incredible authority. It's vital that all lawyers are aware they must use an approved specialist."