Tag Archive: dna tests


Why Should I Take a Paternity Test?

Filed Under: DNA Testing by dnatesting101 — Leave a comment
March 28, 2013

PaternityTest 150x150 Why Should I Take a Paternity Test?The American Association of Blood Banks reports that laboratories perform over 300,000 paternity tests annually. This equates to laboratories receiving over 900,000 samples every year. The simplicity and relatively low cost of undergoing the tests account for the ever-increasing numbers of DNA tests performed.

Reasons for Paternity Testing

One of the most common reasons that individuals undergo a paternity test is to show proof of the identity for a biological father. Occasionally, a former female partner can confront a man claiming that he fathered the child through a brief intimate relationship. Men may suspect their female significant other of adultery and request a DNA paternity test in an attempt at determining the true heritage of a child. Similarly, grandparents may suspect promiscuity occurred and desire to verify their relationship to a child. Following the death of a parent, young adults may discover that the parent may not have had a biological tie and desire to learn their identity.

DNA Sample Collection Process

Anyone in need of DNA testing can order one to three test kits from a certified laboratory. Samples required for acquiring genetic material entails swabbing the inside of the cheek with a device that appears similar to a large cotton swab. Individuals then insert swabs into each individual container with the necessary information and send the kit back to the lab.

Depending on the facility, laboratories complete tests within one to six weeks. Individuals typically receive the test results by mail. If a court determination depends on the results of the test, they must purchase legally binding tests which require notarized signatures of the people chosen to serve as the witness or witnesses during the swabbing process.

FatherandBaby Why Should I Take a Paternity Test?

Distinguishing between Two Possible Fathers

Samples obtained from the mother, child and more than one man provide more than enough genetic information for proving the paternity of either man with 99.99 percent accuracy. When a test on two related men is required, test results may exhibit lower numbers compared to tests of two unrelated men. If the men are twins, there is no possibility of accurately identifying the father.

The DNA Testing Process

Each child receives 23 chromosomes from their mother and 23 chromosomes from their father. Each cell contains a combination of these chromosomes for a total of 23 chromosomes. DNA tests analyze the chromosomes of the mother, the chromosomes of the father and compare these sequences with samples obtained from the child.

The accuracy of the testing process varies between laboratories. Some only identify DNA using five chromosomal markers while others use 16. The more markers identified and used for comparison increases the accuracy of identification. Each parent contributes these 16 markers to the child. The DNA of the parent in question must have all 16 markers. Technicians then compare these markers with a large database for any other possible matches. Using the general population as a guide, the results indicate the probability that a particular man contributed the DNA found in the child.

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Michael Jordan Wants Paternity Suit Dismissed

Filed Under: In The News by dnatesting101 — Leave a comment
March 11, 2013

MichaelJordan 240x300 Michael Jordan Wants Paternity Suit DismissedNBA champion Michael Jordan pleaded with a Georgia court this week to dismiss a paternity case against him. Jordan feels that the lawsuit claiming he fathered a 16-year-old boy represents an abuse of the court system. Pamela Y. Smith initiated the paternity suit against the 50-year-old basketball celebrity in the Fulton County Superior Court. According to a divorce case between Smith and her former husband, documentation suggests otherwise.

Smith reportedly met Jordan in the late 1980s in Chicago. She claims that an intimate relationship between the two produced the birth of the baby boy in 1995. Also named Michael, the teen and the retired player reportedly met several times during the course of the boy’s lifetime. Smith claims that Jordan privately on a number of occasions provided her family with gifts and money.

Usually court cases which involve minors remain private, but has become seemingly impossible with the uproar of media attention. The boy posted a YouTube video last Christmas claiming that Jordan was indeed his biological father. The woman maintains that she does not require the celebrity’s money for support, but that her son insisted on the lawsuit in attempts at making Jordan acknowledge the truth of their relationship.

The suit requests that the court order Jordan to submit to a paternity test. If proved the father, the documents further request that the athlete pay child support and contribute to medical costs. The boy also desires to change his name legally from Reynolds to Jordan. He also requests the possibility of obtaining a new and accurate birth certificate.

MichaelJordanCourt 300x205 Michael Jordan Wants Paternity Suit Dismissed
Pamela Smith claims that Jordan began fathering the boy several years ago in the same courtroom. In 2003, Smith divorced her former husband Glenville G. Reynolds. Documents created at that time state that she and Reynolds produced the child. Paperwork included the teen’s name and birth date. Smith signed the documents and a statement verifying the truth of the information contained within. At that time, Jordan filed a countersuit against Smith for the accusations.

An official hearing before a judge begins on March 12. If the judge requires that Jordan undergo DNA testing, the action may nullify Reynolds’ rights as the legal parent. Time will tell whether the court dismisses or reopens the case and holds Jordan accountable.

After retiring from basketball almost a decade ago, Michael Jordan retains recognition as one of the most popular athletic celebrities on the planet. During his career, Jordan received numerous awards that included winning the rank of NBA all-star 14 times and being named Most Valuable Player six times. While playing with the Chicago Bulls, Jordan participated in six championships with the team. In March of 2010, Michael Jordan purchased the Charlotte Bobcats professional basketball team.

Hundreds of thousands of men forcefully or willingly undergo DNA testing every year to determine paternity. Reports suggest that of all the tests are completed, approximately one third of the tests identify the man as the legal father of the child. Modern tests offer a more affordable and discreet option for evaluating genetic information. In most cases, individuals can submit oral swab samples by ordering an at home DNA test kit.

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Discover your Ancestral Origins with DNA Ancestry Testing

Filed Under: DNA Testing by dnatesting101 — Leave a comment
February 14, 2013

AncestralOrigins 206x300 Discover your Ancestral Origins with DNA Ancestry Testing Ancestral Origins DNA Testing is a way to discover more about your genetic heritage. Every person is born with their own unique DNA. This genetic information remains constant throughout an individual’s lifetime. Each human being’s DNA tells their individual story. It also charts the beginnings of humankind in Africa and the eventual migration of humanity to every part of the globe.

Criteria Used to Determine Your DNA Ancestry

The process of determining your genetic heritage is threefold. Ancestral Origins testing separates the genetic information into three basic areas; populations, indigenous regions and strength estimates.

Populations

Using a color coded rating system; your DNA is compared to all the populations in their system. The color green on the map shows the strongest connection to a specific group and location. The color yellow relates to a significant link to particular areas and populaces and red suggest little or no connection. There are also correlations made to dispersed populations. Dispersed relates to groups of people, who were indigenous to one region, but traveled to another country or continent. This pertains to more recent movements of populations around the world.

Indigenous Regions

This testing reveals an ancient ancestry dating back over 80 thousand years. During the history of humankind there have been notable ancient migrations. One of the first migrations occurred, when people traveled out of Africa and up into Europe, then Asia and eventually to Australia. The last two migrations were to North and South America and the final journey was to the Pacific Islands.

DNAHelix 300x239 Discover your Ancestral Origins with DNA Ancestry Testing
Strength Estimates

This primary evaluation is an estimate of all the populations that are your strongest genetic links. The next assessment shows the most significant connections to indigenous regions. These calculations give a clear overview of all the data, so it is easier to determine your closest genetic matches.

Discovering Your Ancestral Origins

Ancestral DNA testing helps you to appreciate your genetic connection to particular groups and geographic origins. The DNA Ancestry tests can verify genetic relatedness to 14 identified anthropological areas and populaces. GTLDNA.com contains beautifully designed maps and graphs which makes the history and science of ancestral origins easier to appreciate. These individualized prints will make lovely additions your home.

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How DNA testing Can Help Barrier Reefs

Filed Under: DNA Testing, In The News by dnatesting101 — Leave a comment
November 30, 2012

DNA testing isn’t only for humans anymore. In recent years, DNA testing has been used to help dogs, plants and now, even ocean life. Worldwide, populations of coral and the thousands of species that live in their reefs are suffering the effects of climate change. Fortunately, enterprising scientists believe that DNA testing might be able to help.

Off the coast of Queensland, Australia, stretching an astonishing 133,000 square miles over the floor of great barrier reef dna 300x225 How DNA testing Can Help Barrier Reefsthe Coral Sea, lies the Great Barrier Reef. It is the single biggest structure made of living organisms in the world, and this marvel of the ocean is visible from space.

Coral is made up of billions of tiny organisms called coral polyps. The Great Barrier Reef, a network of coral reefs and about 900 islands, is made up of over four hundred species of coral forming nearly 3,000 individual reefs. In addition to the coral, the Great Barrier Reef is teeming with sea life. Dolphins, whales, sea snakes, thousands of fish, sea turtles and even salt water crocodiles call the Reef home. Nearly a thousand species of coral-dwelling orgasms like anemones live symbiotically with the coral formations as well.

Sadly, the Reef is being devastated by climate change and pollution. In October 2012, the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences revealed that the Reef has lost more than half its coral cover since 1985. Coral is extremely sensitive to changes in salinity and temperature. Even minute shifts can destroy coral populations. Climate change is warming ocean water globally, and the melting of the polar ice caps is changing the ocean’s salinity. These changes are triggering mass coral death, called coral bleaching, in the Great Barrier Reef.

A group of scientists fighting to find ways to help the Reef are hoping an answer than be found in coral DNA. Just as human DNA can vary from region to region, so can the DNA of specific coral species. Many identical species of coral live in both the Great Barrier Reef and the Red Sea in the Middle East. Compared to the Reef, the conditions in the Red Sea are extreme. The coral there withstands much warmer, saltier waters than their Australian cousins.

Scientists are hoping to identify and understand the areas of genetic code that affect a coral’s ability to adapt to change. They are also looking to discern which species are more resilient and why. Using this research, they can devise targeted conservation efforts and prioritize those corals that are more vulnerable.

Recent research is showing that simple conservation efforts will not be enough to protect the dwindling coral populations in the Great Barrier Reef. Saving the reef will require a full scale restoration effort of an ecosystem in turmoil. Unless action is taken, the coral population could halve again in the next decade. Hopefully, with the help of DNA testing, scientists may just be able to reverse the damage.

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Infant DNA Tests Speed Diagnosis of Rare Diseases

Filed Under: DNA Testing, In The News by dnatesting101 — Leave a comment
October 15, 2012

Benefits of DNA Testing

The most accurate way for physicians to diagnose genetic disorders in newborn infants is DNA testing, which is the thorough examination of the DNA molecule. Children’s Mercy Hospital of Kansas City, MO, is using a new test that provides results in a couple of days versus the typical weeks or even months in the past. The test is designed to specifically identify disease causing mutations.

This new DNA examination is not in widespread use at this time as research is ongoing. The facts are one in 20 newborns in neonatal intensive care units have a genetic disease. Faulty genes have been found in 3,500 of the 7,500 known genetic diseases.

Since the completion of the Human Genome Project Analysis a large amount of data analysis will be ongoing for many years. In this project approximately 20,000 to 25,000 genes were identified, along with the sequencing of the 3 billion chemical base pairs that make up human DNA.

There are numerous accredited laboratories where it is possible to get accurate DNA testing for paternity testing. When looking for a laboratory to have DNA testing, it is important to seek out one that has several accreditations from governing agencies.

baby04 Infant DNA Tests Speed Diagnosis of Rare Diseases

Some of the accrediting agencies to seek out are:

  • American Association of Blood Banks, which requires a rigorous review with an inspection of the testing processes and the laboratory.
  • National Association of Testing Authorities (NATA), which is the most difficult accreditation to obtain due to its difficult quality and security requirements.
  • Safe Harbor requires data protection, providing privacy protection for the European Union.
  • ISO 17025 accreditation assures technical competence with the calibrations and testing labs.
  • A2LA accreditation system is the largest multi-discipline system in the United States, which is recognized by Accreditation Bodies in the European Union and other international countries.

DNA tests only require a buccal swab, which is painless swab from inside of the cheek from an infant or adult. The testing may also be completed with a blood
sample from a finger prick. DNA sampling for a paternity test, particularly if it is legally binding, requires a swab from the mother, child and alleged father. This is the most accurate way to determine paternity and a good laboratory will require 16 identity markers for accuracy. One of those markers determines the sex of the person. Accuracy can reach 99.99999 percent.

There are many types of tests that may be ordered from the laboratory. For instance, a DNA Predisposition Test reveals the predisposition for 25 different diseases and conditions. DNA testing can be completed to look for ancestral origins. An Infidelity DNA Test can test a wide range of garments or objects for DNA. There is a Zygosity DNA Twin that will confirm whether twins are fraternal or identical. Furthermore, there are tests for grandparents, aunts and uncles. Prenatal paternity testing may also be completed before birth. There is also an Immigration DNA Test and a Missing Parent Test that may help law enforcement.

Finally, two people may get a DNA test to see if they are related. DNA testing may be done through the mail and is confidential, with the results being mailed in a plain envelope. Accuracy is guaranteed with an accredited laboratory and DNA testing if very affordable.

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Osama bin Laden, Justin Bieber, Casey Anthony and more: Top DNA Stories of 2011

Filed Under: In The News by dnatesting101 — Leave a comment
December 12, 2011

2011 is  a year to remember. The news of Osama bin Laden’s death, the shocking Casey Anthony verdict and even Justin Bieber finds a spot in the top DNA stories of 2011. Besides DNA used in the court room and as an important identification tool in confirming deaths, genetics also made many landmark achievements this year. Check out the top stories below and see how DNA changed the world in one year. Who knows what 2012 will bring!

justin bieber 2 320 300x225 Osama bin Laden, Justin Bieber, Casey Anthony and more: Top DNA Stories of 2011Genetic Therapy Landmark made in British Lab: After a lot of trial and much error, a group of scientists have successfully cured six patients of hemophilia b, a blood-clotting disease that appeared to be treatable by gene therapy. Find out more about hemophilia and genetic therapy.

Justin Bieber Paternity Scandal: In November, young pop star, Justin Bieber was accused of fathering a 3-month old who belonged to Mariah Yeater (a Bieber fan). She claimed that Justin lost his virginity to her after his show when he was 16. After taking a DNA paternity test in New Jersey, Bieber was cleared of all accusations. Find out more about the scandal and Bieber’s accuser.

Surprising facts about Muammar Gaddafi found in DNA: The death of Gaddafi was a relief to the world, but after DNA testing was performed on the slain corpse of the ex-ruler of Libya, shocking DNA results proved that Gaddafi’s lifestyle was more vain and elaborate than people once thought. Find out what DNA testing revealed.

Osama Bin Laden Dead Body Photo Good Lawd 300x225 Osama bin Laden, Justin Bieber, Casey Anthony and more: Top DNA Stories of 2011Osama bin Laden’s death confirmed through DNA: It was the news that made headlines around the world and brought justice to many families who lost innocent loved ones 10 years ago. Osama bin Laden, the master mind behind the attacks on America on September 11, 2001, was found and killed by a U.S special force team. DNA was confirmed through a siblingship test.  Find out more details about Osama’s death.

Casey Anthony Trial; DNA was not enough: The world was shocked to hear “not guilty” during the verdict of the Casey Anthony trial in early July. A lack of Casey’s DNA on items found in the case and on Caylee Anthony’s body gave the jury reason to believe she was NOT guilty. What was Casey charged with in the end?

DNA’s role in Amanda Knox Case: A lack of DNA evidence set Amanda Knox free back in October when Italian courts reinvestigated the case between Knox and evidence found in the murder scene. After spending years in an Italian prison and developing a bad reputation among Europeans, Knox was set free. Find out more about the Knox case.

Sperm Banks Reject Gingers: One of the largest sperm banks in Denmark has an overflow of red head sperm donations, but not enough people requesting for the specific genetic look. It was a sad day for gingers when they actually found out that their genetic makeup was “unwanted.” Why are gingers not as popular?

Schwarzenegger and Shriver 1 300x254 Osama bin Laden, Justin Bieber, Casey Anthony and more: Top DNA Stories of 2011Blood Test Finds Baby’s Gender at 7 Weeks: Gender tasting made a huge stride in the summer when gender blood tests were reviewed and found 98% accurate. The tests were able to find a gender as early as 7 weeks into pregnancy. Where can you find a gender test this accurate?

Arnold Schwarzenegger Admits to Paternity of Love Child: The story that broke America’s hearts and Arnold’s family. News stories in May revealed a secret illegitimate love child that Arnold Schwartzenegger fathered years ago when sleeping with a woman who worked among his household staff.  DNA paternity tests revealed the shocking news was true. Find out more about Arnold’s secret son.

 

 

 

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Casey Anthony Trial: DNA Proves Incest Accusations are False

Filed Under: DNA Testing, In The News by dnatesting101 — 2 Comments
June 24, 2011
Judgeperry Casey Anthony Trial: DNA Proves Incest Accusations are False

Judge Perry, losing his patients in the case

The latest update in the Casey Anthony trial:

The unsolved mystery of Caylee Anthony’s death continues as heated court room battles erupt and the case takes multiple detours in directions nowhere near an answer.

The most recent turn in the Anthony trial was when the defendant accused her own brother and father of incest, claiming she was sexually abused growing up and (to really take the light off the possibility of Casey Anthony killing her daughter) that her brother, Lee Anthony could have been Caylee’s father. If DNA matched, this case could have taken a turn for the worst.

After paternity tests were conducted on both George Anthony (Caylee’s grandfather) and Lee Anthony (Caylee’s Uncle), tests excluded both family members of having a DNA match.

Whether or not Casey and the rest of her defendant party are trying their best to divert the attention with outlandish accusations or not, there is no doubt that lies, cover-ups and sick and twisted behavior surrounds the Anthony family.

caseyanthonytrial Casey Anthony Trial: DNA Proves Incest Accusations are False

Is the defendant trying to divert the attention from herself?

As other DNA finds prove useless in the Anthony case, it might be years until answers are given as to why and how young Caylee died and who exactly was involved.

Without conclusive evidence it seems the case will drag on.

Follow updates online for the latest new on the Casey Anthony trial.

 

 

 

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