DCR FAQs

It usually takes around 4 weeks for your DNA sample results to be sent to you. The report is sent to you either by email or by post, whichever you would prefer. King’s College DNA Analysis (the laboratory responsible for testing your DNA) is happy to answer any questions you may have.

You can contact King’s College DNA Analysis by phone 0207 848 4130 or by email dna.analysis@kcl.ac.uk.

If you quote your DCR reference number, messages can be left.

You can become a DCR registrant without having your DNA taken and tested. However, if you wish to test for likelihood of matches either with your donor, offspring or any half siblings, you will need to have your DNA taken and join the DNA database.

Sometimes, insufficient DNA is collected and a second sample is then needed.

No. The DNA database operated by the Donor Conceived Register (DCR) is independent and it is not linked to any other register.

The fee for joining the DNA database is £95. However, if you are experiencing financial difficulties then we are happy to discuss payment and payment methods.

If a link is discovered, both you and your donor-conceived offspring will be notified independently of one another. Each of you will be given the opportunity to talk things through with an independent counsellor. You can take as much time as you need to work out what you would like to happen next. The pace of any progress is determined by the slower party. Any relationship or contact has to be mutually agreed beforehand and will only take place if each party is happy and comfortable. Counselling with a qualified counsellor is available to all involved at all stages.

We offer 2 free and confidential counselling sessions with a qualified counsellor for all Donor Conceived Register (DCR) and Opening The register (OTR) registrants. There will be a charge of £25 for all sessions thereafter. Counselling can take place on the telephone, or in person.

When you become a Donor Conceived Register (DCR) registrant you will be asked to complete a form regarding your wishes when you die or if you become unreachable for whatever reason. You can choose to have your DNA removed from the database and from all of our records or you can nominate a named person who we can contact in case of a future match.

All DCR registrants can join the closed Facebook group which is for registrants only; DCR personnel do not have access to this group.

The DCR is funded by the HFEA.