The Government has issued a new set of guidelines laying out the standards for genetic paternity testing.

The Code of Practice on Paternity Testing Services has been produced after concerns were raised that 'backstreet' tests were sub-standard. Nearly 9,000 tests were carried out last year in the UK, compared to 6,000 in 1998.

Public Health Minister Yvette Cooper said: "Genetic paternity tests are now widely available through the Internet and media and this Code of Practice will make sure that companies providing these tests meet certain standards.

"Paternity tests often involve young children and it is important that the welfare and best interests of the child are always taken into account."

The new legislation comes into force on April 2. The guidelines were drawn up by the Group on Genetic Paternity Testing Services. They are available on the Department of health website.