What is DNA testing?
DNA (Deoxyribonucleic acid) is the genetic material in the cells of your body. Every nucleated cell has 46 chromosomes, except the sperm cells from the man and the egg of the woman which only contain 23 chromosomes each. At the moment of conception, there are 46 chromosomes necessary to create a person. Thus, a person receives half of his/her genetic material or DNA from the biological mother, and the other half from the biological father. DNA paternity testing is much more than a blood test. It can be performed on a much wider variety of samples, including blood cells, cheek cells, tissue samples, and semen. Since blood types, such as A, B, O, and Rh, are more common within the population, the power to differentiate individuals is not as high as with DNA paternity testing. Every person’s DNA is unique except for identical twins. Since it is so specific, just like a fingerprint, DNA paternity testing is the most powerful form of testing. Our results are often 10 to 100 times more accur
DNA paternity testing is much more than a blood test. It can be performed on a much wider variety of samples, including blood cells, cheek cells, tissue samples, and semen. Since blood types, such as A, B, O, and Rh, are more common within the population, the power to differentiate individuals is not as high as with DNA paternity testing. Every person’s DNA is unique except for identical twins. Since it is so specific, just like a fingerprint, DNA paternity testing is the most powerful form of testing. Our results are often 10 to 100 times more accurate than what the courts require.
Testing is based on a highly accurate analysis of genetic profiles of the mother, child and alleged father. Deoxyribonucleic Acid (“DNA”), the unique genetic blueprint within each nucleated cell in the body, determines a person’s genetic pattern and individual characteristics. A child inherits one-half of his or her genetic pattern from the mother and one-half from the father. If the mother’s or child’s patterns are known, the father’s can be determined with virtual certainty.
DNA testing is a valuable method of comparing and/or identifying individuals. By analyzing DNA, we are able to pinpoint individuals involved in crimes, identify genetic relationships (as in questionable paternity cases and estate claims), show lineage among animal populations, and even identify disease in both modern and ancient populations. Profiles of different samples/individuals can then be compared to see if they match. Whether the testing is conducted for forensic analysis or the analysis of genetic relationships, DNA testing is a powerful tool for identifying a match or excluding any genetic relationship. How is DNA Tested? 1. Collection of biological materials – typically blood, hair or skin cells from a buccal (cheek) swab. 2. Extract and isolate DNA by mixing the sample with chemicals that break down other cellular materials and separates the DNA from other unwanted cellular components. 3.
DNA testing has a wide variety of uses and is most often used for medical research, paternity identification and crime forensics. Recently, the role of DNA testing has also expanded out to more common “consumer” uses such as having one’s DNA tested for susceptibility to certain diseases or the presence or absence of genetic markers that define certain habits or help map out our ancestry.
