What is DNA Testing and How Does it Works?

DNA testing is a handy procedure for validating a stated (alleged) biological relationship when no other form of credible evidence is available. It involves obtaining DNA from a blood sample or tissue sample to identify specific proteins, chromosomes, or genes, including those that are faulty (mutations). In most cases, DNA testing is useful in identifying genetic lineage; however, it can also help in ruling out or confirming an inherited genetic disorder, assessing the risk of passing on or developing a genetic disease, and determining which drug will prove the most effective based on an individual's genetic profile. With the advancement in medical science and technology, several hundred DNA tests are available. The tests can be performed on hair, bone, body tissues, saliva, urine, or blood. 

What is the purpose of DNA testing? 

Discoveries in DNA are pushing the way we think about ourselves, our overwhelming similarities, our essential differences, how we act, and more. Your doctor may recommend a DNA test for reasons related to treatment, diagnosis, or prevention of any disease. Moreover, DNA testing is also helpful in legal investigations. 

• Connect with your history - with DNA testing, you can look into your own past, know what region of the world your ancestor came from, and discover exactly who you are. 

• DNA disease testing - with DNA testing, you can determine whether your body is predisposed to any diseases. It gives you a fighting chance against potentially life-threatening illnesses like cystic fibrosis, Crohn's disease, bipolar disorder, celiac disease, ovarian cancer, breast cancer, and many others. DNA testing can help you get a jumpstart in fighting serious illnesses, as you get the opportunity to make specific lifestyle changes. 

• DNA testing for crime-solving and legal battles - at crime scenes, DNA samples are swapped to identify the victims and convicts. Moreover, it also used in solving complicated cases involving family inheritance, paternity, and more. 

How does DNA testing work? 

Every cell in the human body contains chromosomes, genes, and deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA). Each serves an interrelated and specific function. 

• DNA: DNA is a double-stranded molecule containing all the genetic information about an individual. It is made up of adenine, thymine, cytosine, and guanine. These four substances combine to provide the 'programming code' for your body. 

• Genes: A gene contains coded instructions of when and how to build specific proteins. It is a distinct portion of deoxyribonucleic acid; hence, any flaws (genetic mutations) in DNA can drastically affect how those coded instructions are delivered. 

• Chromosomes: a chromosome is a bundled unit of genes. There are 46 chromosomes in the human body, and each chromosome contains 20,000-25,000 genes. 

What is the procedure? 

• That would be depending on the type of test you are choosing from the variety of DNA testing kits available these days from finger-prick testing, Urine and stool samples, to other tissue samples that should be collected and sent to the lab for analysis.
  
  The samples are being obtained in the following ways: 

1. Blood draw - a needle is inserted into the vein by a phlebotomist extracting 1-3 milliliters of blood. 

2. Buccal smear - also known as a cheek swab, it is performed by rubbing cotton along the inside of the cheeks. 

3. Saliva sample - you are asked to spit in a sterile container tube to fill with your saliva.

4. Amniocentesis - it is the procedure of obtaining a small amount of amniotic fluid sample. A hollow, thin needle is inserted through the abdominal wall and into the uterus for collecting the sample 

With DNA tests, you can discover your family roots and migration history, and even discover DNA relatives of yours from different parts of the world. 

In addition to that, DNA tests helps understanding whether you have a health problem or carry a genetic disease. There is lots of online information about how to get the most out of your results.