DNA Testing Process
If you are going to do DNA testing soon, we suggest you learn how the DNA testing process takes place. To keep things as simple as possible, we can divide it into three steps.
1. Collection: The first step is to collect the DNA sample. DNA sample can be either collected at the center or home, depending if you are using a home DNA testing kit or not. The DNA testing kit comes with all the necessary instructions included. The key component consists of a sterile tube. It is used to collect your saliva. However, that’s not the only way to take a sample. Few DNA testing samples also come with a cheek swab. It is used to rub against your cheek which in return collects the sample required to do the DNA testing.
2. Packing: Awesome! You collected the DNA sample. Now, it is time to pack it safely. The DNA kit comes with a sterile packing which you need to use it. Once done, you need to mail the sample to the company address.
3. Result: The final step is to get the results. The period for results to come depends on how the company handles it. However, it should take anywhere between 4 to 12 weeks for the results to come in. You should get it through email where the company’s portal where you have to sign in with the credentials provided by them. Most of the companies use the dashboard to provide the result. They also provide additional information in the form of easily digestible videos of articles so that you understand your results. Each result are customized according to your location to give a feeling from where your origins are.
Usage of DNA Tests?
So, you might be thinking what the benefits or usage of DNA tests are? Should you go for it? Below, we will list the different use of DNA tests which in return will help you to decide which test you should go for. Let’s get started.
- Paternity tests: Paternity tests are carried out to identify the father of an adult, child or a baby.
- Gene Therapy DNA testing: It is a standard test carried out by parents before they try to give birth to a child. It is done to check for any inheritable genetic conditions or see if there are any birth defects in the embryo.
- Genealogy tests: Genealogy tests are carried out to know about relationships and ancestral ethnicity. If you are curious about your family relations and ancestors, you can go for this test.
- Forensic DNA tests: These tests are carried out by police to find out about suspects in a crime scene. It helps them identify victims and criminals.
How to choose DNA Testing Kit to know about ancestors?
Awesome! You now know what DNA testing, its usage, and the DNA testing process is. Now, you might be thinking how to make the right decision when it comes to DNA testing. To know more, we need to learn about the three types of tests. From there, you can choose the one that fits your requirement.
Mitochondrial DNA(mtDNA)
Mitochondrial DNA or mtDNA is beneficial for anyone who is looking to learn about their cousins or ancestors. It works by studying the tiny mitochondrial strands within a cell. These mitochondrial strands do carry ancestral information and are not changed even after extended time. So if you are looking to find more about your maternal line cousin or ancestor, you should go with mtDNA. With it, you can also learn about your ethnicity, region or family group.
Autosomal
Autosomal is appropriate if you are looking to learn about your family and its origins. There are 23 pairs of chromosomes, and with the autosomal test, you can compare 22 of them. The chromosomes need to be compared between the male and female member of the family. The test is precise but does come with few limitations. It only detects up to third or fourth cousins.
Y-Chromosome
Y-Chromosome is the best possible DNA test to know about your ancestors. Y-Chromosome preserves the best possible information compared and hence is a great test if you want to know about ancestors. It can also be used to prove a relationship to ancestor or relationship with another individual. However, Y-Chromosome is only present in males. So, if you are a woman, you may ask any male in your family to do the test.
Frequently Asked Questions(FAQ)
1. Is it safe to do DNA testing?
A: Yes, it is entirely safe to do DNA testing. The companies will protect your privacy as well, and you can see results through a protected portal.
2. Is the Kit easy to use?
A: If you are doing home DNA testing, then you will get a kit to use. The DNA kit is easy-to-use. However, if you feel that you need help, take help of an individual who can read through the instructions and record the sample for you. You may also ask the company to send a simple cheek swab instead of going through the saliva sample method.
3. What added features you get?
A: You can get a lot of added features if you ask the company from which you are taking the test. The added features depend entirely on the company itself. You can get better history information or gain access to a large size of the database. Many companies even let you check your data against the database and learn about your history.