What is DNA Testing?

14 Aug 2017

DNA testing is the use of a person’s genetic information to determine a particular outcome. The basis of DNA testing is that each individual has unique DNA which therefore means that it is possible to highly discriminate between samples to odds of 1 in 6 billion.

Of course within the definition of DNA testing we are including a number of different tests that have different testing methodologies, results and outcomes. DNA testing can be performed from a number of different samples as long as they contain genetic material that can be broken down and analysed.

One of the fastest growing uses of DNA testing is for the paternity testing purposes. In a paternity test, the DNA of an alleged father is compared to that of a child to confirm if he is the biological father or not. This DNA test is a very powerful tool for confirming the relationship and has accuracy levels of up to 99.999+% probability of paternity for an inclusion and a 100% probability of exclusion in the case he is not the father. This type of DNA testing has therefore become the standard for biological relationship confirmation and has taken over more traditional testing such as blood typing.

DNA testing for relationship verification can now also be extended to close family relationships including siblings, uncle/aunt and grandparents analysis. This type of testing, also referred to as Relationship DNA testing, is an extension of the paternity test, although due to the greater ‘distance’ between the parties the results can be less confirmatory and more of an indicative nature.

NA testing has also taken prominence in the Forensic field with programmes such as CSI increasing the visibility and awareness of the general public about the Forensic DNA testing technology available. Forensic tests have now become a major used by the law enforcement organisations to fight crime by matching the DNA found on samples from a crime scene to that of potential suspects through DNA testing. Since the power of discrimination of DNA has now been accepted by the courts, DNA tests can provide the necessary proof to exonerate or incriminate a suspect.

For any DNA testing related questions we recommend that you contact us and we will gladly advise you on your testing requirements.