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