Genealogy Blog – Learn How to Research Your Family Tree

Posts Tagged ‘Testing’

DNA testing is now the most widely used method for determining the biological relationships between individuals. The DNA paternity test is probably the most widely known of these tests and involves the testing of an alleged father, mother and the child in question. This test can also be conducted just between Alleged Father and a child without the Mothers sample.

When performing the Paternity Test, most DNA testing laboratories will test a minimum of 16 genetic markers for enhanced accuracy levels in excess of 99.99%. One of these genes tested is called the ‘Amelogenin’ gene and its use is to determine the sex of the sample that has been processed. Therefore in reality the statistical analysis is actually based on the matching of 15 of these 16 markers.

From a biological perspective, males have an XY chromosome and females have an XX chromosome. Therefore in your DNA test result you should see an XY for the alleged father and the child if he is male, and XX for the Mother and child if she is female. A DNA paternity test result from any serious service provider should report this gene together with the rest of the genetic markers analysed.

Functions and Uses of Testing the Amelogenin Gene

The testing of this gene may appear superfluous to a client at first instance, however it does serve a number of functions.

1. From a laboratory perspective, it acts as a primary quality control check and ensures that the correct samples have been processed. So for example, if the Alleged Father’s sample turns out to be female, then there is an element of quality control to identify the possible reasons. These could include problems such as the client putting the wrong samples in the wrong envelopes (e.g. putting the father’s sample in the mother’s envelope and vice versa). The testing of this gene can also act as a deterrent for submitting someone else’s samples (having said that, this applies only if the sample of someone of the opposite sex is supplied).

2. Gender identification through DNA testing has also got applications in the field of forensic DNA testing as it provides primary information regarding samples found at the scene of the crime during a criminal investigation. Through the test, it is possible to confirm whether biological remains found at the crime scene belong to males or females. It is also possible to differentiate this even in cases of mixed samples.

3. Gender identification is also applicable in the case of infidelity DNA testing. Analysis of the samples will show whether suspicious stains belong to a male or female individual. On the basis of this result, decisions for further testing can be based.

However, gender identification by amplification of the amelogenin gene can sometimes generate a result in which male samples were falsely identified as females. I have myself only seen few of these cases over the years. This occurrence is therefore very rare and occurs in less than 0.01% of cases in males and even less in females according to some studies. In such cases, it is suggested to perform the Y amplification of SRY gene or/and Y-STR markers to confirm the gender

Today, DNA testing has evolved into a widely used, affordable and efficient tool for verification of identity and family relationships.  A DNA test may be performed for both private and legal purposes, and virtually any type of human biological material may be used for testing, often in trace amounts.  The most common type of sample used is a buccal swab, which allows for non-invasive and painless sample collection.  A buccal swab sample is collected by inserting a buccal swab tip into the inner cheek and scraping oral epithelial (surface) cells by using a rolling motion with the swab.  This technique will transfer DNA-containing cells to the swab tip.  Once at the lab, DNA is extracted from the swab tip through a series of washes and then amplified by a process called PCR (polymerase chain reaction).

PCR will create many copies of the DNA sequence(s) for the purpose of maximizing visibility in a genetic analyzer.  A genetic analyzer is a machine which detects and reads alleles, or forms of genes and produces DNA profiles from the PCR product.  The analyzer will create a graph-like interpretation of the DNA profile(s), which an analyst will use to further interpret and report.  When a comparison study is performed, as in a paternity test, for example, the analyst will compare the DNA profiles obtained from the tested parties, i.e. alleged father and child, to determine the number of common alleles shared and calculate a probability of relationship, i.e. paternity.  Today’s DNA tests are highly sensitive with positive identification reported at 99.9999+% accuracy.  To add to the efficacy, test turnaround can be within as few as 24 hours, as well.

You have probably read that DNA testing can have life transforming effects, but are you aware that DNA testing can ‘save’ you? Yes, DNA testing can save you both financially and physically.

Let’s take a situation where DNA testing can save you financially. Suppose you are a man, and a girlfriend you have been having a casual relationship with calls with the news that she has just been to the doctor’s, and that she is expecting your baby. Ordinarily, this would be source of great joy – only that in this case you are not so sure whether you are the only man in her life. And you are not sure, either, why out of the many men in her life you would be one lucky enough to ‘score’ as far as fathering the baby is concerned. What you are sure though is the great financial responsibility it is bringing up a kid – right from maternity delivery costs, through childhood and teenage to the day they clear college and stand up on their own. This is a situation in which many men are increasingly finding themselves in, and DNA testing can help them clear the air on whether the baby in question is indeed theirs, or whether they are being taken for a ride, being asked to help bring up another man’s child. And if it turns out that the baby in question is not yours, then obviously you have no financial obligation to support the baby financially – unless you choose to do so out of philanthropy. If you choose not to take financial responsibility for bringing up the baby (who is not biologically yours), you have in effect been saved by DNA testing from a great financial obligation that would have in all probability run into huge sums of money and into at least two decades. And to save yourself from all this, all that you would have done is get a DNA sample from the baby once it is born (A DNA sample is usually easily gotten through a painless inner cheek swab), get a DNA sample from yourself through a similar process, and send the samples to a DNA lab, usually alongside a small fee as DNA tests have become really cheap.

Physically speaking, as scientists conduct ever advanced DNA research, information is growing on which particular genes seem to be responsible for particular diseases. Much of this information has been brought to public domain. And what has been established beyond reasonable room for doubt is that in most cases people do not inherit diseases through their DNA. What they inherit is predisposition to various diseases, a predisposition which materializes into a disease if a certain triggers for the disease get activated in one’s life. As DNA tests get more and more affordable then, many people are taking them to figure out which genetic diseases they are predisposed to – so that they can take steps to avoid exposing themselves to the triggers for the same diseases. By taking a DNA test yourself, you can learn which genetic diseases you are predisposed to, and take steps to avoid the triggers of that disease. This way, DNA testing would have saved you from a potential physical ailment.

Getting your own DNA make up has created a fad among health-concern societies. Basically, one of the main purpose for a person who wants to have his DNA analyzed, is just to find out whether he needs to have to take any health precautions. Highly sensitive testing has been discovered to track down the probability of disease to occur. It sounds like it is some sort of a disease prediction and seems to be true – as we called it as “Genetic Horoscope”.

Most of the DNA Testing centers provide personal testing services for public but it has also raised doubts about the reliability of testing. Is it safe to have our personal DNA tested as we fear that our results might slip into wrong hands?

This is an ongoing dispute which is involves several people in and out of law enforcement. In terms of practicality of the testing service, several investors have invested millions in improving the research of testing technologies and products that could solve larger problems concerning other than health issues such as forensic science, paternity testing and ancestry search.

This might probably weighing down criticisms against personal DNA testing. In addition, price of testing will be reduced due to competition that make it more affordable and cheaper service rates for public. It better that we succumb to the privacy issues as testing requires mass submission of DNA samples into the database. Certainly, problems such as mass submission of samples could slow down the process of investigation of misdemeanors.

As all human makes mistakes – we learn from the mistakes as systematic DNA database establishment is depends on public cooperation. It is vastly depends on public involvement to produce a well-organized DNA database.

A well established DNA database can upgrade our quality of our lives as it is relying on comparison and analysis of all of our DNA sequences in pursuance of unlocking the hidden truth in our genes. Every new discoveries is a lead to a new solution – so as testing. Having a personal testing is safe although it has contrary views from various fields of people. It can be much safer if it is well regulated by prioritizing better health and ethics system.

It is not like a donation – you do not donate your own DNA. Your DNA will be eliminated once the test are run. Optionally, you can also opt for secure DNA storage. It can be destroyed upon your request. Start making an internet search on testing centers. Spend some time on their terms and policies. Please clarify about it with their consultants. Most of the times education does pay in order to have a safe DNA testing.

Since results of a DNA test can be life altering, it is very important to research and interview many providers before making your selection. Getting answers to the following questions may help you make the best decision.

What is the total fee?

Some companies advertise rock-bottom DNA testing prices, which can seem very attractive at first. However, often times, you will find that additional fees will accrue for reporting of results, shipping, consultation with a representative, etc. You want to make sure that the total fee you are quoted includes testing of all individuals involved, collection of their samples, reporting of the results and consultation with an educated consultant, if needed.

How many markers do you test?

In a DNA test, the number of markers tested will determine the accuracy of the test. A minimum of 15 markers tested is a good standard for a relationship test, and can provide an accuracy to 99.9999%. Question providers of tests where 10 or fewer markers are tested.

What is the turnaround?

DNA technology has greatly advanced from years past, but it does still take time. Quicker is not always better. 3-5 business days is probably a general standard turnaround for most tests involving buccal swab samples. You should expect to pay more for faster turnaround.

Are you accredited?

AABB accreditation is a very prestigious honor and only those relationship testing laboratories which uphold the strict quality standards enforced by the AABB and undergo routine audits shall receive it. Un-accredited labs do not have to abide by any standards and, therefore, may not offer the best service and most accurate tests. Of the hundreds of laboratories advertising DNA testing services worldwide, only 41 are currently AABB accredited. Do you outsource testing?

Many of the companies you will come across through online searches are actually brokers, not laboratories. Since brokers do not perform the testing themselves, they must send your information and samples to a third party laboratory. Some brokers may work with reputable laboratories, but others do not. Working with any broker will mean that your information and samples may pass through the hands of multiple people at multiple locations. So, confidentiality and accuracy may be questionable. There have even been reports of brokers selling tests and not delivering results. You will likely receive the best service, guaranteed confidentiality and most accurate result by choosing an actual, accredited laboratory.
The DNA Identity Testing Center of Bio-Synthesis, Inc. is an active member of the AABB Relationship Testing Accreditation Program and actively participates in proficiency testing by the College of American Pathologists. With nearly 15 years experience in the DNA testing field, law enforcement, legal representatives and individuals alike trust BSI with their private and legal DNA testing issues, worldwide. Visit www.800dnaexam.com for a full description of all testing services.

DNA testing is becoming increasingly used to determine genetic links between individuals as a highly accurate and individual way of identifying people and their relationships with one another. The process itself is one carried out in advanced laboratories under the strictest of lab conditions to ensure no cross-contamination and improve result accuracy. As such DNA testing can be said to present with a high degree of accuracy any particular biological relationship that may exist, particularly in paternity disputes where samples of both the mother and the father are provided.

Preparing For the DNA Test and Collecting Samples

Normally a DNA testing kit is sent to the person who ordered the test by the company from whom the order was made. The test begins with samples being collected from everyone preparing to undertake the test. In most cases, that will mean the mother, the father (alleged) and the child concerned. Samples are taken by the way of oral swabs, which collect cheek cells which are then dried and passed on for testing. In order to prepare the sample, it is first important to make sure that the cotton of the swab never touches any other surface including your hands, and that you have a number of swabs for each person taking the test to ensure reliability in the end results. Press the swab into the inside of the cheek and behind the lips, as well as the tongue area in order to get as good as possible a sample from the mouth. Having left to dry for around an hour, the swab should be carefully sealed off before the collation and mailing process.

Testing the Samples

After all the samples have been collected and labelled accordingly, they should be sent off to the laboratory for the DNA testing analysis. At this stage, the samples will be individually examined and DNA will be extracted from within the cells present in the sample. The same will be done for both the other two parties to the test and the results of the DNA profiles will be compared.

The person analysing your results will be looking for a 50/50 split between your alleles, contained within the DNA, between those found on your mother and father. As you can only inherit genes already carried by one or both parents, no alleles can be present in the child’s DNA that are not present in that of either parent. Naturally, this is where it becomes obvious when there is and is not a genetic link between those taking the DNA test. Further to that, the results are processed through the appropriate systems and a conclusion is reached, having covered 16 of the locus which are used as the template by which samples are matched.

Receiving the DNA Test Results

Once the DNA test is completed, the result will be sent to the participants via email, letter, fax or as otherwise agreed. The DNA test report should show the individual profile of each person that submitted a sample for the paternity test. Also the result should show the percentage probability of the stated relationship, for example in a DNA paternity test this is normally in excess of 99.99%.

There’s no doubt about it – DNA testing is here to stay. Whilst most people are not very knowledgeable on how DNA paternity testing works, it is probably a good idea to gain some level of understanding given the way in which DNA testing is likely to continue to affect our lives over the coming decades. With growing calls for more extensive DNA databases and records for crime prevention, DNA testing and analysis looks set to remain at the forefront of the civil liberties/state interests debate.