The DNA paternity test is done to prove whether a child is the daughter or son of a person by making a comparison of the DNA of both the parents. There are different companies that provide services for paternity testing. Generally, there are three kinds of testing companies that offer the test. The first kind are those companies which specialize in testing and have their own testing lab to perform the test. In the second category, there are those companies that provide service of others like a broker. In the third category, there are laboratories which perform the paternity test as a side job.
A variety of DNA testing protocols are used worldwide. They analyze a small portion of DNA that varies from person to person. Tests are conducted using molecular methods such as a polymerase chain reaction or with DNA arrays and DNA chips.
A mitochondria DNA test is used to trace the maternal history of a person. Mitochondrial DNA passes from the mother to her children (both male and female) without any change. By examining the similarities of this primitive DNA between two people, the tester can determine if they are related along maternal family lines. Because the DNA does not change when it is passed on from mother to child, testing can take place even if a generation is not available to participate in the testing.
Clearer than fingerprints, DNA test results are considered as today's one of the most powerful tool in determining criminals based on biological evidences found in crime scenes. In rape cases, semen samples, skin scrapings, or suspect's hair found in victim's fingernails are used to determine identity of perpetrators. As far as acquitting the innocent and charging the guilty is concerned, bridging peoples lives and settling domestic disputes, the constant complain against technology has found its justification in biomedical technology and DNA testing.
An increase in stories in the media about many uses for dna tests has caught the public attention in a big way. DNA testing is big business, in many fields. Programs like CSI: Crime Scene Investigation, Heroes and even most popular soap opera's regularly feature dna tests as the basis for their often thrilling storylines. While these television shows are informative in many cases, the public seems to believe that dna testing can fix a variety of life's problems. But the real miracle stories are far less talked about and even more amazing than TV dramas and soap operas can convey.
So what are some of the most common misconceptions about dna testing?
1.You need a blood sample to have a dna test done
DNA testing has come a long way in the past few years. Gone are the days of waiting weeks for results after having to bring family members into the hospital or laboratory for testing. Laboratories have become so advanced that they can use swabs from the inside of the mouth, dirty ear buds and strands of hair to complete sophisticated and highly accurate dna tests. Most dna tests are done through painless swabs on the inside of the cheek.
2.Every dna test ends in bad news
In TV programs, dna tests always end in disaster. Families split up, people are sent to jail and lives are ruined. In reality, dna tests have many positive outcomes. The peace of mind that comes with a favorable dna test is immeasurable for many families. It's often as simple as court-enforced maintenance money for a struggling single mom or as complex as finding the true birth parents of a baby that was switched at birth.
3.A dna test can determine your chances of getting certain diseases like cancer
There are some companies specialize in determining risk factors for various diseases. Depending on where you are in the world, your GP should be able to organize tests that can show your predisposition to breast cancer, diabetes, heart disease. What action you decide to take after receiving this information is entirely up to you. Some women who test positive for the breast cancer marker opt to have preventative mastectomies to eliminate their chances of suffering later in life.
4.DNA test results can clear the wrongly accused
DNA tests have been used to prove guilt or innocence in a variety of situations all over the world. If you are having dna tests done to clear your name for a crime or paternity case, you need to go through certain legitimate channels. While this might mean spending a little more money to go through the proper channels, to have official proof is invaluable.
5.It's difficult/ expensive/ time consuming to get a dna test done
It's not difficult at all! It is possible to get highly affordable dna tests done, from the comfort of your home. A simple Internet search reveals the most popular private companies for fast, cheap dna tests. Your family doctor can refer you to the nearest pathology testing lab capable of producing results that are admissible in court should you require it.
Dna testing has opened a Pandora's box for all kinds of applications. And the many fantastic secrets that the Human Genome Project has promised to reveal are only slowly starting to come to light. In the future, DNA tests might be able to reveal your predisposition to mental illnesses like schizophrenia or bipolar disorder. Scientists might even be able to isolate the gene that breeds serial killers or rapists. Who knows, one day we might be able to get a full future health reading from the material contained in a simple cheek swab! The possibilities are endless!
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