Deoxyribonucleic acid is the material in every living being that is made to help detect the generic code. We all have a unique DNA and we share some molecules of it with our ancestors. This molecule can be used to learn more about our genetic code, our parents, siblings, and ancestors, and it is also used in the medical field for different types of discoveries. By testing the DNA, scientists are able to determine the cause for some genetic diseases, and in some cases, even prevent them in future generations.
Commercial DNA tests are used to help you determine more about the history of your ancestors, and they became widely popular in recent years. We all want to know where we come from, and sometimes, the results can surprise us. However, there have been many cases where people didn’t get any conclusive answers, or when they took several tests and ended up with different results. This begs the question; can we trust this practice? In this article, we are going to help you learn how to know if the test was accurate, and how to choose the best kits.
History of DNA testing
The first thing we are going to talk about is the history of this testing, and how we came to use them as commercial units. The DNA testing was made to easily give out information on important things about an individual, including their genes, relatives, as well as different diseases that could be passed on from one generation to the other.
This type of testing is done not only for families, but it can be used in profiling and criminal cases. Nowadays, people are able to learn more about their ancestry, as well as their genes with the commercial units available on the market.
Note that these items can be used on plants and animals as well, not only on humans, and they are widely used in different medical facilities and research centers all over the world.
This practice was first introduced by the end of the 1970s, and in the early 1980s, it was first used in the crime labs to find out how victims could be involved with potential suspects. Since then, the whole process became standard practice in crime labs all over the world, and today, it is still used to determine the connection between two or more people.
How do you take this test?
The next thing we are going to cover here is the practice of taking the DNA and using it to make a comparison or learn more about the genes of the person or people involved.
The whole procedure is really easy, and the only thing that is needed is saliva. If you want to take a commercial test, or if you need to get tested in a private facility, then the only thing you need to do is provide your saliva. That can be done in two main ways – the person who wants to get their DNA test done to spit in a special container that will, later on, be used to extract part of the saliva, or they can choose a mouth swab. There is no difference between the two methods, and they don’t take more than a second. Even with the mouth swab, you won’t feel any pain or discomfort, and the whole process is done in a few seconds.
Note that there are other ways to take these tests, and blood, hair, or skin samples can be used. Know that in most cases, all bodily fluids can be used to conduct the process.
In most cases, for paternity testing or ancestry data, blood is needed, but that all depends on the type of kit you have, or the laboratory where you are going to get tested. According to CRI Genetics, in the best facilities that offer reports that can help you learn about more than 50 generations that came before you, and your DNA will be matched with more than 600 thousand genetic markers.
How do you know it’s accurate?
There is no exact way to find out if the home kits you are using are accurate, and the best thing you can do to ensure real results is to purchase items made by trustworthy companies.
If you choose a laboratory to get tested, then you should pick a place that has a lot of experience, many satisfied clients, and that has all the needed certifications, permits, and licenses.
Note that there are some things that will affect the accuracy, so you need to be really careful, no matter if you are using a home kit or a commercial test. You should never eat or drink anything at least an hour before taking the swab, and it is said that it is best if you do it several hours after eating or drinking. Note that you are free to wash your teeth before taking the test, and you can also drink water or tea without any milk or sugar.
In case you want to get tested in a lab, the best time to do it is early morning, so try to schedule your appointment as early as possible. Note that the lab will give you some instructions on what you can expect, and what you should or should not do before the swab.
Always choose a place that you can trust, and know that the price really makes a difference. If you go with the cheapest home kit, or if you go to an unchecked lab that seems like they are giving away the tests for free, chances are, you will end up with inaccurate results.
Talk to your friends and family members about recommendations, and know that you can gather as much info about your ancestors as you can before the practice, and then compare the results and see if they match. This is overall an amazing practice that can teach you so much about yourself and your family, and you should do it just to find out more about your roots, and how they affect you and your personality.
