It is one of 30 private clinics that are being opened around the UK which offers DNA testing at a cost of £200. Apart from testing the clinic, which is situated in Kingston Square, is providing counselling, which is often needed in order for people to cope with what can sometimes be life changing results of DNA testing. “We have professionally trained staff taking the DNA test… which is equivalent to the test you get in a court of law.” said Peter Palumbo, the Director of Focus Counselling Services. “A lot of people have been using the Internet to provide themselves with the results of these tests, but we really feel that [we] can provide a supportive network for people. “Support begins before the test happens. People really need to understand what they're getting involved in; this is something you can't really get through the Internet. We offer face to face contact so people really understand the consequences of how the test might go. “People can come into the centre after their results and we will talk to them again about the consequences of the results and if they choose to have further counselling, then we will put some sort of package in place for them." |