DNA is a series of hereditary
characteristics, such as hair and eye color, fingerprints, susceptibility to
disease, etc. These genes are inherited from both parents, which is why DNA
testing is widely used to determine paternity results. If there is doubt about
the identity of a childīs father, a DNA test can be performed to confirm or deny
any relation. In addition, DNA profiling is used in investigations and has the
ability to connect suspects to a crime.
As noted, DNA tests are used for a variety of reasons, including investigations,
paternity testing and even ancestry research. DNA testing has been in existence
for many years. Itīs commonly used to prove whether or not two people are
related. As genes are passed down from one family member to another, some DNA
changes greatly while others remain virtually the same. This creates an obvious
link between families, which can be proven through DNA tests.
Thanks to the modern
advancements of technology, at home DNA tests are now available for individuals
who do not want to have testing done in a medical office. These at home tests
can average in the several hundred dollar price range and provide a quick,
simple way to test the cells inside your mouth using a swab, which is similar to
that of a Q-tip. Once the samples are collected, you mail them in to the address
located on the test manual and, within several weeks, you receive the DNA
results.
The most traditional DNA testing is done in a medical facility and is performed
by a licensed physician. Using a swab, the doctor rubs the inside of the cheek
area and collects a cell sample. This sample is then sent to a medical lab,
where the DNA is determined. For paternity testing, the Mother, Father and child
should all be present and tested. Within a very short amount of time, and
depending on the backlog in the labs, most test results are back within one
week. If no results arrive within that time, the patient should call their
doctor to inquire about the results and when to expect them.
Itīs important to remember that, while DNA is being used more and more to
determine ancestry, no two people share the exact same DNA sequence. It may, in
fact, be similar, but the only people to have an exact DNA match would be
identical twins. A large majority of people have the same hair or eye color, but
that does not mean that they share the exact same DNA. While characteristics may
be the same among many people, each personīs unique genes will show a variation,
great or small, in their DNA.
This article, while believed to be factual in itīs basis, should not be
construed as medical or legal advice. The information contained in this article
should not be used to determine either. Before proceeding with either, a medical
doctor and/or attorney should be consulted. For more information, contact a
licensed professional with questions and/or concerns regarding issues
surrounding paternity, and/or DNA, testing.
