Learn The Truth About DNA Testing In The Next 60 Seconds

Taking a DNA test can have a myriad of reasons. A person might be interested in his/her ancestry, could be planning for contingencies in case of a genetic mutation, or simply be cautious about a congenital disease that may affect their lives further down the line like certain types of cancer, alpha- and beta-thalassemias, Cystic Fibrosis, etc. Such reasons may drive a person to opt for DNA tests. But in today’s day and age, it isn’t rare to question the legitimacy of something. The truth about DNA testing can be one such thing.

Let’s learn a little more about them.

Can someone specify your ancestry using your DNA?

Yes and No.

Let us explain. The science of ancestry evaluation is comprehensive, and there is no particular parameter defining how different organizations work with your DNA. This isn’t to say that big organizations are just manipulating numbers around in an unscientific manner. Ancestry tests are limited to the computational data provided by various users of the company’s platform.

The datasets matter, and results for a particular individual may change over time, depending on how many users are entered into the same company’s database. DNA testing checks your ancestry by comparing them with a vast database. It’s important to know what you are looking for in a DNA test and take realistic expectations. These tests work on reference populations and establish more connections in family trees.

Can your DNA be extracted from strands of hair and saliva?

Yes, this is very much true! As long as epithelial tissues are attached to the hair’s surface or are not yet entirely digested by saliva’s enzymatic action, DNA can be extracted from those cells.

However, in the hair, attached roots help the DNA identification process greatly because extracting epithelial cells whose DNA hasn’t yet undergone systemic degradation is a rare find.

Are Paternity Tests Accurate?

The answer is a resounding yes! The Y-Chromosome is passed down a person’s ancestry practically unchanged; this is why Y-DNA tests are recommended for people looking for a paternity DNA check, be it for peace of mind or legal purposes. Maternity tests are also included in a DNA test, but their evaluation is based on mtDNA.

Paternity tests are reliable for checking ancestries of up to 10 generations back. DNA tests have been responsible for reuniting long-lost family members and maintaining a library of family trees for different racial groups.

Can The Court Use My DNA Test Against Me?

The Court may use DNA tests at various crime scenes to aid in investigations and promote quick justice. However, Insurance companies or such companies that require you to submit health-related claims cannot use your pre-disposition towards a genetic disease against you. Refusing an insurance claim just because a person’s DNA indicates that he may develop a particular illness is unfair to the person.

Such practices are considered unethical and should be reported immediately. Blood swabs, saliva, nails, discarded personal care items are often used as evidence and sent for DNA identification to determine the last point of contact and infer multiple causes of a particular crime.

Conclusion

DNA tests are certainly handy for the curious as well as precautious. Such tests give the candidate detailed yet sometimes even slightly inaccurate results. A person should always have clarity of mind about what is actually required by him before taking a DNA test. If you go for a DNA test with illogical expectations, you are sure to meet disappointment. However, this is still a developing science that will strengthen itself as time progresses.