DNA testing is the process of taking one's cells and testing them for a variety of genealogical issues. Quick and easy DNA testing has become so common that testing from home is possible.
DNA testing is done for a number of reasons. One of the most common reasons is to determine whether or not a man is the legitimate father of a child. In these cases, the positive DNA test is considered concrete legal evidence of paternity.
Another function of DNA testing is to determine one's ancestry. His DNA will not only link him to his relatives from the past, but will also alert him to a variety of diseases and conditions that could be heritable.
DNA tests are also used at crime scenes, as they can help identify who may have been at the scene at the time of the murder or sexual assault. This form of testing is popularly seen on television shows such as Law & Order and CSI.
When did the DNA testing start?
Believe it or not, the history of DNA testing is short. It is generally agreed that DNA testing began in 1983. It was in this year that the RFLP (Restriction Fragment Length Polymorphism) test was devised.
This form of test is 99.99% accurate, but requires the use of an excessively large sample of cells. For this reason, it is rarely used.
These days DNA testing best is much more efficient, requiring only small cell samples to maintain accuracy. In most cases, all that is needed is a drop of blood or a pinch of saliva.
From what parts of the body can DNA be extracted?
DNA can be found in essentially all human cells. So as long as it contains your cells, it can be removed from your body and analyzed.
The most commonly tested body fluids are blood and saliva. Other bodily entities that can be tested include hair, semen, urine, and skin cells, to name just a few.
If you are going to have a paternity test, you can expect to provide a sample of blood or oral waste (the saliva found on the inside of the cheek). In rare cases, other types of samples will be taken.
How accurate is the DNA test?
When done correctly, DNA testing is extraordinarily accurate, to the point where it is almost indisputable. A paternity test can indicate that a man is the father of a child with 99.9% certainty. You can exclude a man as the father of a child with 100% certainty.
However, keep in mind that accurate testing requires proper testing practices. If the laboratory that analyzes your DNA makes a mistake, its results could be grossly inaccurate. For this reason, it is essential that you go to a trusted laboratory.
How much does the DNA test cost?
Now, you may be wondering: how much does DNA testing cost? The price of such tests varies based on a number of factors, including the purpose of the test, the type of test being run, and more.
In general, you can expect a laboratory best DNA test kit to cost between $ 200 and $ 700. While informational DNA tests usually cost between $ 200 and $ 400, legal DNA tests go to this website usually cost between $ 400 and $ 700.
Take-home DNA tests are a different story and are generally available for a fraction of the price of lab tests. You can find take-home DNA tests for between $ 15 and $ 150. Keep in mind, however, that they may not be as accurate as lab tests, so buyers should be careful.
How to get a DNA test
When trying to get a DNA health test, you have two options: 1. Buy a take-home DNA test, or 2. Get tested in a lab. If you're looking for ancestral information, you can probably settle for a take-home quiz. On the other hand, if you are looking to prove paternity, you will need to undergo tests in the laboratory.
So where can you find a lab that analyzes DNA? In most cases, Google is a solid option. Just enter something like "DNAfit tests in [your city]", and you should find several relevant labs near you.
Once you have found relevant labs in your area, you are advised to read some customer reviews to make sure they provide good and competent service. Once this is done, you can choose a lab, make an appointment, and undergo tests.
The DNA testing process
Now, you may be wondering what exactly is involved with the best DNA testing process. While the processes differ slightly, they tend to follow the same general steps.
The process begins with the collection of DNA. Blood, saliva, hair, or some other sample is taken to be processed by the laboratory.
The cells in the given sample are then decomposed. This is done by placing the sample in a solution and adding enzymes.
Once the cells have broken down, the DNA contained in them will separate. This can be done in a number of ways, but is often done by electrophoresis.
The DNA is then replicated, producing a copy that can be analyzed. Then the actual testing will begin, with lab technicians identifying specific genetic markers in the DNA.
If necessary, the technicians will compare the DNA with someone else's DNA, testing the validity of paternity, ancestry, or some other type of relationship.