A DNA test has many purposes, so there are many types of DNA tests available today. You might imagine clinicians in a crime lab using one of these tests to support evidence of crimes committed. The two main types of forensic DNA testing are RFLP analysis and PCR-based analysis.
For RFLP analysis, one needs larger amounts of DNA, and it needs to be undegraded. Old or minimal amounts of DNA probably won’t do for this kind of testing. PCR testing does not require as much DNA, and it is okay if it is partially degraded. Find good information on this type of DNA test at www.scientific.org/tutorials/articles/riley/riley.html. Donald E. Riley, Ph.D. wrote an informative article called, “DNA Testing: An Introduction For Non-Scientists: An Illustrated Explanation.” This article can be found in the online journal Scientific Testimony (1998).
A DNA test can be done of course for paternity identification. For those interested in this, there is a web site to take a look at. Gene Tree DNA testing center can be found at www.genetree.com/. They provide DNA testing services, which include DNA paternity testing, DNA relationship tests like those listed above (siblings etc.), DNA Genealogy and Anthropology (some examples of this include Native American heritage verification, and Ancestral Origin DNA population test), DNA identification and banking, and forensic DNA typing (DNA detective applications).
The Gene Tree DNA testing center is a genomics laboratory. They use DNA to measure biological relationships. People interested in their services can get the GeneSwab DNA collection kit. This is easy to use and is intended for any personal DNA test. The DNA collection kits are convenient, confidential, and don’t cost too much. You can determine paternity using this. All you need to do is collect a sample of DNA (cheek cell specimens are just as accurate as blood samples) and send them the kit. They will test it and give you the results. It is an easy process that can be done at home. It is a very accurate test. You can have the results of the test within seven working days after they receive the specimens. Other types of tests will take longer to analyze, for example, siblingship DNA tests can take three or four weeks. An interesting thing about paternity testing is that paternity can be established even if the father is no longer living. Other family members are tested to reconstruct family relationships. There are no age limitations on this type of test. Even pregnant women can be tested.
The Ancestral Origin DNA test is quite interesting. GeneTree puts it this way, “DNA research conducted on participants from full-blooded indigenous populations…have identified a limited number of genetic markers that are unique to populations, ethnicity and deep ancestral migration patterns.” Adopted children can find out more about their roots with this type of test. Other people can also use it to understand their ancestry better. There are, of course, lots of places to find information about such tests. Look online, ask your doctor, or find it in books. The Gene Tree found on line is one good place to start your search for information.
By Laura Hogg