Dna Testing

DNA stands for DeoxyriboNucleic Acid, the genetic material of nearly all forms of life. DNA is used to store the genetic information of all living creatures, with the exception of the RNA viruses. But that is a different matter altogether.

DNA testing came of age in the 1980’s with medical and technological breakthroughs. Today, DNA testing plays an important role in the criminal justice system as well as in the civilian sector.

What is DNA testing? Simply put, DNA is your unique genetic code or identifier. DNA holds the information that makes us who we are. Our eye color, hair color, skin color, and everything else we are is marked in our DNA. The cells in our body carry DNA. Each cell, whether a skin cell, a hair follicle, or some blood all carry the DNA identifier. Scientists say that there are so many millions of combinations of genetic identifiers in each person, that each person has their own unique DNA identification.

The criminal justice system can use DNA testing to verify the identity of a hair follicle that was found at a crime scene. DNA can be gathered from toothbrushes and even licked stamps. Police collect chewing gum and cigarette butts and can find DNA even on these items. It can match that against the DNA of criminal suspects and rule out or rule in people based on DNA testing evidence. Your DNA can be found on your clothes or even on skin cells found at crime scenes. DNA testing has also been used to reopen closed cases and free people who have been wrongly convicted of a crime. Perhaps, someone was convicted based on a matching blood type. Today, that conviction may be overturned if DNA testing shows that the DNA evidence does not match.

The civilian sector also relies on DNA testing. Ancestry can be determined by a DNA test. Perhaps, you are not sure if you have Native American ancestors. You can send for a DNA kit, collect your specimen and send to DNA testing centers who can provide you with your genealogical information. DNA testing can also be used for paternity testing, determining

DNA testing centers are found all over the country. Fees are usually several hundred dollars. Many centers will provide you with a home DNA collection test which you can return via mail. The center will begin DNA testing and send you the results. The time for testing varies with what kind of testing is needed. Typically, a paternity test may take up to two weeks.