It’s that part of the crime show
you’ve waited all hour to see. That moment when the police officer or CSI tells
the perp, “open up” as he or she then takes a cotton swab and takes a sample of
the DNA from inside the perp’s cheek. You smile with satisfaction because you
know the DNA will prove the perp did it.
Ah, DNA – it’s making crime shows much more riveting now. How did Perry Mason
ever win a case without it?
Of course, DNA isn’t just for crime shows anymore. Now the average Joe and Jane
can order DNA home kits, open up and swab their own DNA cells to be analyzed.
Why would someone go to the expense of having their own DNA analyzed?
Paternity Testing
Today many men are having their DNA tested to prove paternity, that is, whether
or not they are the father of a particular child. This is often used in child
custody cases, where the father believes himself to be the father and wants
visitation rights. To be legally admissible in court, however, the test must be
performed by a certified testing facility, accredited by the American
Association of Blood Banks (AABB).
While DNA testing for paternity is a simple test, what isn’t simple are the
ramifications of such testing, particularly for a child who is being raised by,
and considers another man “father.” Before undertaking such tests, a man should
consider how a determination of paternity or exclusion will affect himself and
the child.
Immigration
DNA testing is also being used to prove relationships in immigration cases.
That’s because U.S. citizens can petition that spouses, parents, children and
siblings be allowed to immigrate to the U.S. Green card holders are also allowed
to do the same for spouses and unmarried children. Normally the applicants use
birth certificates, marriage documents, and medical and school records to
provide that proof of relationship. However, if these documents are missing, or
fraud is suspected, the Citizenship and Immigration Services may require a DNA
test. Again, one should make sure that the testing facility is accredited by the
AABB.
Genealogy Research
Many people have turned to DNA tests to determine from where their ancestors
originated. Two types of DNA testing are Y chromosome testing (Y-DNA) and
mitochondrial DNA testing. The Y –DNA tests look at paternal lineage while the
mitochondrial DNA looks at maternal lineage.
Such tests can be used to determine such things as: which present-day African
country you share your ancestry; which European maternal clan you share
ancestry; percentage of Native American ancestry. These tests can be performed
using at-home DNA kits.
Again, before undertaking any DNA testing be sure you weigh any ramifications of
the test results.
