DNA tests have now become common around the world but they were non-existent in the near past. What made them so popular and useful? Researchers have highlighted how DNA study can reveal valuable information about the person and her/his family. This made DNA tests so much important. Today, people take them to solve great problems mankind has long been facing. People discuss this topic a lot but only a few of us know how it actually works. But how are DNA tests performed? How DNA samples are collected.
This article discusses how DNA samples are collected for different purposes in a laboratory.
If you want to take a DNA test due to any reason, this topic helps you learn how samples are colleted.
What is DNA?
The word DNA stands for deoxyribonucleic acid which is a famous molecule. Actually, DNA is made of two chains that coil around each other to form a double helix. Scientists have proved that this molecule represents the following genetic instructions for all known organisms and many viruses.
- Growth
- Functioning
- Development
- Reproduction
Wikipedia writers; “A genealogical DNA test is a DNA-based test which looks at specific locations of a person’s genome, in order to find or verify ancestral genealogical relationships or (with lower reliability) to estimate the ethnic mixture of an individual.”
Though other living things also have DNA, it has great significance for human beings. Different DNA tests can be used to know useful information about the person and her/his family.
DNA Sample Collection
According to the Center for Health Sciences, Oklahoma State University a person needs to book an appointment for DNA sample collection. If a person lives far away from a facility that provides DNA tests, it is possible to have a nearby laboratory collect sample and dispatch to that facility.
People take DNA tests for different purposes and the type of samples eligible can vary from case to case. However, the following body components can be used to perform this test, according to the National Institute of Justice (USA).
- Skin cells
- Fingernails
- Penile swabs
- Pieces of tissue
- Rectal/anal swabs
- Blood (liquid or dried)
- Saliva (liquid or dried)
- Semen (liquid or dried)
- Hairs (shed or plucked)
- Vaginal/cervical samples
Any of the material of item can be collected by a trained staff member working in a laboratory that is authorized to collect samples for medical tests. The followings are required to ask a laboratory collect the samples for DNA testing:
- Filling of the consent form.
- Full payment deposited of test
- Identity card for people above 18
- Birth certificate for people below 18
Who Conducts DNA Analysis?
Only authorized organizations or laboratories can collect samples and perform DNA analysis. Your genetic information can be used in an illegal way if you do not find the right destination. It is good to find a lawful and reputed facility for a DNA test.
For more information, you can search online or consult your physician.
What Information Can a DNA Test Reveal?
As researches explore DNA, new avenues are opening for human beings. We have found new ways to explore the information written in the DNA. A DNA test can show amazing things but a particular level of expertise is required to achieve this goal. You can take it to know:
- Paternity of a person
- Ancestry of a person
- People on the crime scene
- Better agricultural growth
DNA Sample Collection: The Bottom Line
Now you know how DNA tests are performed and how they reveal important information about a person. In the end, we can conclude that the DNA testing process is not complicated. The process can be a bit different for different individuals. Do you want to know what information this test can reveal?
Please consult the nearest provider if you want to take it and need more details about this remarkable technique. If you do not know who offers this test in your city, please search online.
References and Further Study
- Understanding DNA Evidence: A Guide for Victim Service Providers: https://www.ncjrs.gov/pdffiles1/nij/bc000657.pdf
- DNA Evidence. Forensic Science Simplified: http://www.forensicsciencesimplified.org/dna/how.html
- Guidelines for DNA Sample Documentation, Collection, Packaging, and Preservation. Department of Public Health, Iowa State (USA): http://www.dps.state.ia.us/DCI/lab/dna/Guidelines_for_DNA_sample_collection.pdf
- DNA Sample Collection. Center for Health Sciences, Oklahoma State University
- DNA Evidence Basics: Types of Samples Suitable for DNA Testing. National Institute of Justice (USA): https://nij.gov/topics/forensics/evidence/dna/basics/pages/types-of-samples.aspx
