People who take a DNA test often do so to discover the probability of developing certain health conditions. Most people use this test as a diagnostic and preventative tool for varying diseases. The most common conditions that DNA tests identify include Down syndrome, Huntington’s disease, Cystic fibrosis, Sickle cell disease, Phenylketonuria, Colon cancer, and Breast cancer.
Finding out your chances of developing a health condition can provide you with the necessary information to take action. Moreover, it can provide you with the peace of mind you deserve. It’s important to have a professional DNA analyst who can help you interpret the results.
DNA testing also serves as a way to connect people with their family origins. Through paternity, maternity, sibling, twin, grandparent, and aunt/uncle testing, one can receive direct answers to confirm blood relations.
Keep reading to learn more about DNA testing.
The Ins-and-Outs of DNA Testing
The most accurate DNA testing examines genes, chromosomes, and proteins. The process involves a healthcare provider collecting a sample from you and examining it in the laboratory. Depending on what you’re testing for, samples can include blood, hair, skin, tissue, or amniotic fluid (for prenatal testing).
Prenatal Testing
Pregnant women can test for mutations in the chromosomes or proteins of their developing baby. A sample of their amniotic fluid is taken and examined for possible changes in DNA that are known to result in certain health conditions. Prenatal testing can greatly reduce a family’s worries about nursing a healthy baby.
Diagnostic Testing
With diagnostic testing, you can confirm or negate specific genetic or chromosomal issues. If you are experiencing symptoms of a certain disease, you can order a DNA test and gain clarity. This will allow you to take the next step toward health.
Carrier Testing
If you know that a disease runs on both sides of your family line, but you don’t have any symptoms, you may consider carrier testing. An autosome recessive disease occurs when a health condition is passed down through the family.
For example, if your grandmother died from colon cancer, but it never showed up for other family members, the mutated gene may still exist. If this is the case and you are having children, it’s a good idea to receive carrier testing.
DNA Testing For Legal Purposes
The United States Citizen & Immigration Services (USCIS), Department of Homeland Security, or U.S. Embassy may issue a kinship test to determine blood relations.
In addition, U.S. citizens are given legal permission to invite a family member to take DNA tests as well when they’re applying for citizenship.
DNA Testing For Family Origins
Many people have uncertain or fragmented family histories. Whether it’s your lifetime or past generations, families don’t always remain together. Those who suspect they were adopted order DNA tests to confirm if their parent is their biological parent. Others come across someone who may be part of their biological family test for kinship. Additionally, many fathers opt for paternity tests for accurate results.
It can be a great relief to receive genetic verification of your blood relatives. We can discover more of who we are when we look at who we’ve been. Thanks to the succession of the Digital Era of Information, it is possible and accurate to DNA tests to confirm a family of origin.
DNA Test Kit
At Soteria Screening Laboratories, we provide a comprehensive DNA testing kit to suit all your needs. We keep your information completely private and partner with three different laboratories all over the United States to best serve you. Contact us today for more information on easy and accurate DNA testing.
