What is DNA testing?

DNA testing involves analysing the genetic code present in an individual’s unique DNA profile to uncover information about their ancestry. This genetic code is found in the cells of any human material, ranging from saliva and blood to hair strands.

How does DNA Testing work?

The process of DNA testing begins with collecting a sample of cells from the person undergoing the test. Scientists isolate the DNA code present in every cell, containing essential information that determines various physical characteristics, including hair color, height, and susceptibility to specific conditions.

How to use the DNA kit?

To use a home ancestry DNA testing kit, users follow the provided instructions. Typically, a sterile tube is provided to collect a saliva sample for the test. Some companies may use a cheek swab to gather cells from the inside of the cheek instead. Once the DNA sample is collected, it is sealed and sent back to the company using the included mailing package. The results usually take a few weeks to be processed, with the time frame varying from 4 to 12 weeks.

Upon completion, individuals receive an email inviting them to view their ancestry DNA test results online through a dashboard provided by the DNA testing company.

Types of DNA Tests:

There are different types of DNA tests serving specific purposes:

• Paternity tests confirm the biological father of a baby, child, or adult.
• Genealogy tests are used by genealogists to determine ancestral ethnicity and relationships.
• Gene therapy DNA testing is commonly used by prospective parents to check for inheritable genetic conditions before conceiving or to assess potential birth defects in embryos.
• Forensic DNA tests are employed by law enforcement at crime scenes to identify victims or locate criminals involved in specific crimes.

What Do DNA Kit Results Look Like?

Ancestry DNA results are presented in various formats, depending on the testing platform. For example, MyHeritage showcases the results through a revealing experience that sequentially displays each ethnic area with a percentage of your genetic makeup. As it transitions to different regions, the platform plays music corresponding to the region of origin and presents each population group in your DNA with entertaining animations.

On LivingDNA and 23andMe, the results are presented as a breakdown of your ethnicity, displayed as percentages across a world map. Both platforms offer additional features, such as a family ancestry visualization on LivingDNA, showing a recent family ancestry average based on your DNA mix over ten generations, and migration maps, displaying the trail of your family’s maternal and paternal lines starting from the origin of humankind in East Africa.

How Trustworthy is Ancestry Testing?

Regarding the trustworthiness of ancestry testing, the accuracy depends on the company’s database size and the number of individuals from specific regions who have taken the test. The tests compare your DNA with people from various regions to determine the resemblance and similarities. Prenatal and post-birth DNA tests can definitively establish paternity and have significant implications in custody, immigration, and divorce cases.

What can you learn from a DNA Test?

DNA tests can offer valuable insights into potential genetic health conditions in the future, particularly in DNA health testing offered by companies like 23andMe. However, it is essential to remember that these tests are not a substitute for medical consultation or diagnosis. DNA tests can also provide valuable ancestral breakdowns, offering a clearer picture of your family background and origins by comparing your DNA to individuals worldwide. Nevertheless, complexities arising from historical changes in nation-states can lead to some confusion in the results.