What is DNA testing?

DNA (Deoxyribonucleic acid) is the genetic material in the cells of your body. Every nucleated cell has 46 chromosomes, except the sperm cells from the man and the egg of the woman which only contain 23 chromosomes each. At the moment of conception, there are 46 chromosomes necessary to create a person. Thus, a person receives half of his/her genetic material or DNA from the biological mother, and the other half from the biological father. DNA paternity testing is much more than a blood test. It can be performed on a much wider variety of samples, including blood cells, cheek cells, tissue samples, and semen. Since blood types, such as A, B, O, and Rh, are more common within the population, the power to differentiate individuals is not as high as with DNA paternity testing. Every person's DNA is unique except for identical twins. Since it is so specific, just like a fingerprint, DNA paternity testing is the most powerful form of testing. Our results are often 10 to 100 times more ...  more

DNA testing or "profiling" is used to identify a potential source of biological evidence by matching questioned samples (left at crime scenes) with known samples from victims and suspects. For example, when a sexual assault occurs and seminal fluid is left on the vaginal samples of the victim, it is possible to compare the DNA profile obtained from the semen donor to a known DNA profile from a suspect. Since the DNA profile from the suspect's semen will be the same as that of his known saliva or blood, a match will link a suspect to a crime. What can be tested? Blood and semen are most commonly tested but they are not the only possible sources of DNA. Saliva, sweat, vaginal fluid, hair (with suitable root structure), muscle tissue and bone may also be tested. Urine and fecal samples may contain small quantities of DNA but are poor sources for testing. How should samples be collected?

DNA paternity testing uses the DNA (deoxribonucleic acid) genetic material in the cells of your body to determine parentage. At the moment of conception, the 23 chromosomes present in the woman's egg and the 23 chromosomes present in the man's sperm combine to give a total of 46 chromosomes to the child. These 46 chromosomes are presents in every cell of your body. Thus, every parent has given their child 23 of their own chromosomes, and this is what DNA testing tests for.  more

DNA paternity testing is much more than a blood test. It can be performed on a much wider variety of samples, including blood cells, cheek cells, tissue samples, and semen. Since blood types, such as A, B, O, and Rh, are more common within the population, the power to differentiate individuals is not as high as with DNA paternity testing. Every person's DNA is unique except for identical twins. Since it is so specific, just like a fingerprint, DNA paternity testing is the most powerful form of testing. Our results are often 10 to 100 times more accurate than what the courts require.  more

DNA testing refers to the process of examining an individuals DNA markers for the purpose of genetic human identification and for determining the relationship between two people, such as a paternity test.  more

DNA testing refers to the process of examining an individual's DNA markers for the purpose of genetic human identification and for determining the relationship between two people.  more

DNA testing has a wide variety of uses and is most often used for medical research, paternity identification and crime forensics. Recently, the role of DNA testing has also expanded out to more common “consumer” uses such as having one's DNA tested for susceptibility to certain diseases or the presence or absence of genetic markers that define certain habits or help map out our ancestry.  more

HOW IS PATERNITY TESTING PERFORMED? Specimens taken from the mother, the child, and the possible father are sent to the laboratory for testing. Some forms of positive identification, such as a driver's license, Social Security card, or birth certificate, are required from all individuals tested. Each person is photographed as part of the identification procedure and, depending on the legal requirements in that jurisdiction, specimen collection may be performed by simply swabbing the inner facial cheek. IS THE INFORMATION CONFIDENTIAL? Medical Legal Testing Service will release the test results only to the individual or agency that ordered the paternity test, to an individual designated by the account, or as otherwise required by law. To protect confidentiality, results are not released over the telephone. HOW DOES PATERNITY TESTING WORK? DNA Paternity testing is based on genetic information that is passed from biological parents to their children.  more

Each person is born with a unique genetic blueprint or pattern known as DNA (Deoxyribonucleic Acid). Half of each person's DNA is inherited from his or her biological father. DNA Testing is a comparison of DNA patterns to determine if there is or is not a biological relationship between tested people.

DNA testing is a valuable method of comparing and/or identifying individuals. By analyzing DNA, we are able to pinpoint individuals involved in crimes, identify genetic relationships (as in questionable paternity cases and estate claims), show lineage among animal populations, and even identify disease in both modern and ancient populations. Profiles of different samples/individuals can then be compared to see if they match. Whether the testing is conducted for forensic analysis or the analysis of genetic relationships, DNA testing is a powerful tool for identifying a match or excluding any genetic relationship. How is DNA Tested? 1. Collection of biological materials - typically blood, hair or skin cells from a buccal (cheek) swab. 2. Extract and isolate DNA by mixing the sample with chemicals that break down other cellular materials and separates the DNA from other unwanted cellular components. 3.  more