DNA Testing - Some Common Queries Discussed

DNA testing is a relatively new field. Paternity DNA tests, infidelity DNA tests and several other tests are now being offered. These tests involve sending DNA samples which are often collected by the person purchasing the test. Clients are sometimes unsure regarding which samples they can send and what the DNA test they select will tell them.

Can a DNA Testing Tell you How to Live your Life?

Scientists have only recently begun to understand the links between diseases, genetics and lifestyle. Today you can take better control of your life thanks to genetic predisposition tests. These tests will tell you the likelihood that you will develop certain auto-immune diseases. If your results show you are likely to develop a disease you may try to alter certain habits or routines in your life; eg. If you are at a high risk of lung cancer, smoking will likely precipitate the condition, thus, stopping may be a good idea.

In future, these tests may be done hand in hand with a nutritionist, though for now it is all in its initial stages.  Eventually, the potential is great: you will be able to get the ideal ‘nutrigenetic advice’. Today, the test can already help you with regards diseases like diabetes type 2 which is dependent on life style and dietary habits, unlike diabetes type 1 which will inevitably need insulin injections. If you discover, through you genetic predisposition test, that you are predisposed to obesity, then again your dietary habits play a vital role in determining whether you become obese or not; your diet is intrinsically tied to your chances of becoming obese.

One final word, once clients receive their predisposition DNA test results, it is up to them how to make changes with their life and what changes to make, if any.

Some Further Queries we Have Had:

• Can a relationship DNA test be done with just one DNA sample? The answer is ‘no’, a relationship DNA tests seeks to establish whether relationships exist between people and thus, requires more than one DNA sample for relationship DNA analysis
• Can a paternity test be done exclusively with the mother and child? The term paternity in paternity DNA testing suggests the role of a man in a child’s conception. A paternity DNA test requires the father’s DNA sample. There are however, other types of tests that can be done if the father is not available for testing to establish paternity; a Paternity DNA test is not one of them.
• Pre-natal testing offers the chance of finding out paternity immediately: pre-natal DNA testing does offer this possibility. However, most clients are unaware of what pre-natal testing actually involves.  The procedure is logically invasive and involves entering the uterus to gather loose fetal cells. A Needle is guided into the uterus via the abdomen; the process is done under an ultrasound to control where the needle is being placed. The needle draws out a fluid, known as ‘amniotic fluid’ from which the paternity test is done. There is a chance however, of harming the unborn child or even causing a miscarriage. Vaginal bleeding and leaking of amniotic fluids are also possible side effects.

These are just a few of the common questions people need to resolve before carrying out their test. DNA testing gives conclusive results and will in the vast majority of instances provide you with answers.