What is DNA testing?
DNA testing was first discovered in 1869 by a scientist names Friedrich Miescher.
DNA testing is the science of DNA testing involves the various variations in genes between individuals. Most individuals (at least 99%) have basically the same genes. The small percentage variation is what makes individuals unique from each other. DNA testing uses the unique sequence differences to determine an individual.
In DNA testing the scientists review the probes to match them to the DNA mutated sequences. This approach produces a 99.9999% accuracy of defining an individual’s unique DNA.
Procedure for DNA testing?
There are a couple of methods to approach DNA testing:
- A patient’s DNA is scanned by a qualified scientist for mutated DNA sequences. DNA obtained from any tissue or blood of the individual. The probes or DNA pieces complement the mutated DNA sequences and attach to them if there is a match.
- A common DNA test used to determine DNA matches involve a simple non-invasive cheek swab or a blood draw, hair or saliva. The cheek swab is used more frequently than blood draws as they provide the same level of accuracy in the results. Blood draws are more invasive, and most testing facilities avoid doing that unless there is a specific reason to analyze the blood of the individual. This could happen in criminal cases where a person is deceased and only their blood is available for DNA analysis.
- Other type of DNA testing compares the DNA sequence of a person’s gene to a normal gene. The testing process continues just like any other DNA test. By analyzing the chromosomes, DNA a determination can be made on an individual’s genetic pre-disposition to disease or even to the potential of having the disease. Examples of this are Tay-Sachs, Sickle cell disease, family history of cancer etc.
Can DNA be damaged?
DNA can be damaged by chemicals, heat or radiation. If DNA is destroyed, there is risks of individuals developing genetic disorders or cancers.
Common types of DNA testing
Forensic DNA
- DNA testing is commonly used in criminal cases to determine individuals in a crime. This testing is highly accurate and can provide information on a crime years after the crime is committed.
Ancestry DNA
- Ancestry DNA testing has become a very popular test for individuals who are looking to trace your ethnicity. Ancestry DNA tests provide you with insights into your family background. The tests look at Individual’s backgrounds and which parts of the world your family comes from. There is more and more scientific analysis of data that link your background to the roots of your ancestry by using your DNA profile. Your DNA markers create the connection with you and your family genes giving you a view into your connections. This is done with an international comparative analysis.
Your origins (allele) will be reviewed across 525 populations with more than 190,000 people from all over the world. The scientific algorithms will compare the DNA markers with a matching process and provide you with DNA matches across the world.
This process will help you discover your origins and find relatives you may not have seen or known about.
Paternity DNA
- Paternity DNA test is done using a PCR process (Polymerase chain reaction) which involves a cheek swab of the alleged father and the child. The level of accuracy of the results are 99.999%. The science behind this process is mature and used in many different cases. Some examples where this method is used is as follows:
- Custody cases
- Legal and court requirements
- Immigration
- Birth certificate changes
- Child support
- Criminal cases
Siblngship DNA
It is often thought and is a misconception that if siblings have the same parents that their DNA should be the same. To understand the potential difference in ancestry DNA tests, it is important to understand how DNA tests work.
DNA tests provide individuals 50% of the father’s gene and 50% of the mother’s gene. So why does it vary between siblings and their ability to show differences in their ancestry?
Genetic recombination is a process that a fetus goes through and divides chromosomes and genetic information. This process creates a unique genetic makeup for each person although they still have 50% of the father’s gene and 50% of the mother’s genes. If 2 siblings have parents that have a British and African ancestry, one may show more genes in the British ancestry and the other may show more in the African ancestry. It does not mean that they have changed the 50% of mother’s and 50% of father’s genes. It is a fascinating process in human genealogy.
That is a reason why two siblings could even look different from each other, one with blue eyes and blond hair and the other with brown eyes and dark hair. They are still biologically siblings with the same parents.
Non-Invasive Paternal Test (NIPP)
This test is performed non-invasively with a blood draw from the mother and a cheek swab from the father. It is completely safe for mother and child. The level of accuracy is 99.999% and results can be obtained within 2 weeks.
There are numerous other DNA tests that can be conducted for e.g. grandparent DNA tests, ancestry DNA tests and many others.
Call Smartest Labs an AABB accredited DNA testing lab for additional information. They will provide you with personalized guidance on the test you require. Each person may need a different test depending on the situation and information requirements.
Conclusion
The benefits of DNA testing are as follows:
- No more speculation on where you came from.
- The approach is scientific and well renowned and accurate.
- The creation of the profile for testing is done with a simple cheek swab
- Provides an individual with information regarding your potential pre-disposition to disease.
SmarTest labs an accredited lab can provide you with much more insight into your genetic profile. We pride ourselves in being a lab that assisted many individuals in tracing their DNA for different reasons. We are headquartered in Maryland and a simple phone call can assist you with your questions and provide you with guidance.
SmarTest Labs:
501 N. Frederik Avenue, Suite 106, Gaithersburg Maryland 20874.
Phone: 301-686-8566
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