| DNA testing is becoming increasingly used to | | | | and DNA will be extracted from within the cells |
| determine genetic links between individuals as a | | | | present in the sample. The same will be done for |
| highly accurate and individual way of identifying | | | | both the other two parties to the test and the |
| people and their relationships with one another. | | | | results of the DNA profiles will be compared. |
| The process itself is one carried out in advanced | | | | The person analysing your results will be looking |
| laboratories under the strictest of lab conditions to | | | | for a 50/50 split between your alleles, contained |
| ensure no cross-contamination and improve result | | | | within the DNA, between those found on your |
| accuracy. As such DNA testing can be said to | | | | mother and father. As you can only inherit genes |
| present with a high degree of accuracy any | | | | already carried by one or both parents, no alleles |
| particular biological relationship that may exist, | | | | can be present in the child's DNA that are not |
| particularly in paternity disputes where samples of | | | | present in that of either parent. Naturally, this is |
| both the mother and the father are provided. | | | | where it becomes obvious when there is and is |
| Preparing For the DNA Test and Collecting | | | | not a genetic link between those taking the DNA |
| Samples | | | | test. Further to that, the results are processed |
| Normally a DNA testing kit is sent to the person | | | | through the appropriate systems and a conclusion |
| who ordered the test by the company from | | | | is reached, having covered 16 of the locus which |
| whom the order was made. The test begins with | | | | are used as the template by which samples are |
| samples being collected from everyone preparing | | | | matched. |
| to undertake the test. In most cases, that will | | | | Receiving the DNA Test Results |
| mean the mother, the father (alleged) and the | | | | Once the DNA test is completed, the result will be |
| child concerned. Samples are taken by the way of | | | | sent to the participants via email, letter, fax or as |
| oral swabs, which collect cheek cells which are | | | | otherwise agreed. The DNA test report should |
| then dried and passed on for testing. In order to | | | | show the individual profile of each person that |
| prepare the sample, it is first important to make | | | | submitted a sample for the paternity test. Also |
| sure that the cotton of the swab never touches | | | | the result should show the percentage probability |
| any other surface including your hands, and that | | | | of the stated relationship, for example in a DNA |
| you have a number of swabs for each person | | | | paternity test this is normally in excess of |
| taking the test to ensure reliability in the end | | | | 99.99%. |
| results. Press the swab into the inside of the | | | | There's no doubt about it - DNA testing is here to |
| cheek and behind the lips, as well as the tongue | | | | stay. Whilst most people are not very |
| area in order to get as good as possible a sample | | | | knowledgeable on how DNA paternity testing |
| from the mouth. Having left to dry for around an | | | | works, it is probably a good idea to gain some |
| hour, the swab should be carefully sealed off | | | | level of understanding given the way in which |
| before the collation and mailing process. | | | | DNA testing is likely to continue to affect our lives |
| Testing the Samples | | | | over the coming decades. With growing calls for |
| After all the samples have been collected and | | | | more extensive DNA databases and records for |
| labelled accordingly, they should be sent off to the | | | | crime prevention, DNA testing and analysis looks |
| laboratory for the DNA testing analysis. At this | | | | set to remain at the forefront of the civil liberties |
| stage, the samples will be individually examined | | | | state interests debate. |