Thursday, September 11, 2008

Tips and Advice on DNA Test Kits

By Ray Lam


What makes DNA testing so popular is its ability to be performed not only in DNA Test Laboratories, but also in the privacy of their own homes. The search for biological parentage can be an emotional time for most people. Some find it rather uncomfortable to let friends know they are undertaking a DNA paternity test. Some also find it awkward if their surrogate family, the one who has raised them and love them all their lives, find out that they are undergoing a DNA paternity test to prove or disprove relationships and parentage!

Home DNA test kits are fairly easy to use, employing the buccal swabbing technique to obtain DNA samples. DNA collection is done within a few minutes and is virtually painless and safe. These tests also come with clear and easy to follow instructions which clients must follow to obtain accurate results. The samples are then sent through mail for analysis.

Once the samples have been taken they should be placed in the sample tubes provided and the tubes sealed. This will ensure preservation of the cellular material present on the swab heads, and prevent any environmental contamination of the source cells. In general the identity of the biological mother of the child is rarely questioned, and most applications of this technology are in confirming the identity of the biological father. If this is the case, a sample from the child and the putative father are essential, with a sample from the mother being desirable but not essential.

AABB Parentage Accreditation Program The better home DNA test kit should also be one that comes from a DNA test laboratory that is a member of AABB Parentage Accreditation Program. Again, this is an international accreditation program to ensure that quality of DNA testing procedure and of the accuracy of interpreting test results.

Home DNA test kits are widely available through online sources. Consumers must carefully consider the credibility of the company from which they order their test kits. These sources must be backed by existing laboratories certified by DNA analysis associations for added reliability. Online sources usually ship test kits directly to the consumers at added costs.

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