Some people have a slightly negative view of DNA testing. However, it’s through DNA testing that doctors are able to predict certain genetic disorders (i.e., down syndrome) and intellectual issues (i.e., autism) in unborn babies. Scientists are even using genetic tests to proactively pinpoint inherited diseases—from colon cancer to cervical cancer—in patients. Welcome to the world of DNA testing, where you can find out if you’re descended from royalty, and even lose weight! Here are four amazing reasons to get a DNA test Are you royal? Lorde sings, “And we’ll never be royals. It doesn’t run in our blood.” But maybe, just maybe royalty does run in your blood! And you can get a DNA test to find out. Research out of the University of Strathclyde, in Scotland, recently discovered a unique genetic marker that’s able to identify the direct descendants of King Robert III of Scotland or Robert the Bruce. But so what if you’re not of royal blood, a DNA test may reveal some really cool family facts, like a coat of arms or a story steeped in history. Get your doggie’s DNA Most pet owners have lost a favorite pair of shoes or piece of furniture to their furry friend.

The Cheek Swab vs. Blood Testing for DNA debate has been around for a while. Most of the conversation surrounds issues of quality, but there are a number of other important factors to consider as well. Deoxyribonucleic Acid (DNA) testing is a technology used to test for a variety of reasons including testing for medical history, verifications of identity (mother, father, sibling, etc.), and to study ancestry. No matter what your reasons are for obtaining a DNA test, you are going to be as interested in how the test is conducted and how accurate those results are going to be. Not all swab tests are the same There are a variety of different methods for collecting saliva for DNA samples. These methods include dry and wet sample procedures. Dry procedures require the donor to insert a buccal swab or other collection devices into the mouth, where tissue is scraped from the gum and cheek surfaces.  One of the challenges with this method is that if not done correctly, the sample may become contaminated with bacteria from the patient’s teeth and other surfaces. Wet procedures include swishing liquids in the mouth (before the swab) and spitting them into a collecting vessel.

According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control (CDC), the number of U.S. laboratories that perform DNA tests for diseases and inherited conditions is growing. The number of specific genetic tests being performed is on the rise as well. DNA tests are performed in a broad range of laboratories, including laboratories that have certificates for chemistry, pathology, clinical cytogenetics, or other medical testing specialties. Although specific nationwide data on DNA test laboratories are not yet available, medical statistics from state programs indicate considerable increases in the numbers of laboratories that perform these tests. In the state of New York alone, the labs that perform DNA testing for inheritable diseases and conditions increased 36 percent in six years, from 25 laboratories in February 2002 to 34 laboratories in October 2008. More recently, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control reported that the number of cystic fibrosis tests has increased significantly since 2001, pursuant to the recommendations of the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists and ACMG for preconception and prenatal carrier screening. The DNA-based cystic fibrosis mutation tests are now considered to be some of the most commonly performed genetic tests in the United States and have become an essential component of several state newborn screening programs for confirming presumptive screening results of infants.

If you’re looking to get your immigration paperwork through a little faster and you need to prove a biological relationship, consider making use of DNA testing. The USCIS (The United States Citizenship and Immigration Services) recommends DNA testing to prove biological relationships and obtain the necessary documentation. This article shall provide a brief overview of 5 basic steps necessary to get DNA testing for immigration purposes. Do keep in mind, however, that professional and official governmental advice is needed for this very important legal document. Recommended Read:  DNA Testing : Introduction & Uses The 5 basic steps are Visit official government websites and/or offices. Gather up the necessary related documentation requested. Fill out the DNA testing forms as directed. Show up for the test appointment and/or have the other party show up for the test. Wait for the results, then submit them to immigration officials. Read on for a detailed explanation of each of the aforementioned five steps. Visit Official Web Sites A DNA immigration test is a paternity, maternity or kinship test conducted at the request of the US Embassy or the Department of Homeland Security, United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). The United States Citizenship and Immigration Services official governmental website is https://www.uscis.gov/.

A paternity test can be defined as a medical blood test which cross-checks an unborn child’s DNA with that of a certain man (the alleged biological father), to establish a relationship between them. In simpler words, paternity tests are DNA tests which determine if a certain individual is the biological father of an unborn child. Recommended Laboratories for Paternity Testing According to the “American Pregnancy Association,” one should get a paternity test done from laboratories which are authorized by the AABB (American Association of Blood Banks). AABB has recognition all over the world as a leading accrediting source for DNA testing.  Apart from that, AABB has its own relationship testing program with the name of “AABB Relationship Testing Accreditation Program.” This particular program of AABB has set quality standards and also evaluates and provides recognition to different laboratories who are concerned with “relationship testing.”  Also, the American Pregnancy Association supports DNA Diagnostic Centers (DDC), because of the standards that they have maintained throughout while providing services and also keeping their focus on personal health and hygiene. Moreover, the DDC is also accredited by the AABB, thus, giving it a further strong and reliable position for DNA testing.  Here’s a list of paternity tests that can be conducted while pregnant: