ACWAM DNA and Genetic Testing

Getting DNA Test Results – Why Do They Take So Long?

Rachel — Sun, 11 Apr 2010 00:05:05 +0000

There are people who need DNA results back fast and quickly. This is probably due to court reasons or paternity reasons. If you have never taken or submitted a DNA test you are in for a surprise. Although the test is relatively quick, getting the results can take up to two to three weeks to receive. For those who need it in a hurry this is too long. You may have the option of having the results faxed or even emailed to you. This may be a better choice if you need your results fast.

Getting a DNA test is easy. There are many DNA kits available that can be purchased on reputable DNA sites. You may need multiple tests if you are testing more than one person. If this is the case you may need to state if you want all your tests to be done at the same laboratory or if they can ship the tests to other laboratories. This may or may not increase the chances of a quick result.

Once you receive your result you may not be able to interpret it. Here is an easy guideline to help with any results you may obtain. If you are going for a paternity result, which most home DNA tests are, then the results are summarized in the interpretation section. It is either explained as the father being excluded as being the biological father or cannot be excluded from being the biological father. The results should be easy to interpret but there are many sections and much to read.

Either way, if you need a DNA test done, do your research and find a reputable DNA laboratory that offer email or fax options.

How DNA Helps Forensic Investigations

Rachel — Mon, 19 Oct 2009 03:37:46 +0000

DNA is relatively new to the crime scene. Forensic investigators started using DNA in the 1990’s when it became highly reliable in proving criminal activity in people.

DNA is gathered at crime scenes and it allows police to pin point who exactly was at the crime scene. From there, they can conclude who and how the crime was committed. Examples include matching DNA at crime scenes, recognizing familial relationships and paternity testing.

DNA has proven to be a highly valuable tool and will continue to help forensic science.

All You Need To Know About DNA Tests

Rachel — Tue, 06 Oct 2009 17:30:15 +0000

Here’s a great instructional video on DNA testing!

What Is Genetic Testing?

Rachel — Mon, 14 Sep 2009 20:03:37 +0000

For many of us out there, you may never have to encounter genetic testing. There are few, however, who would benefit from genetic testing. What is genetic testing and do you need to get one?

Genetic Testing

Genetic testing refers to a medical test that identifies certain chromosomes, genes or proteins in a person. Most people use genetic testing to test for inherited disorders in themselves and in their unborn children. When you get the result of a genetic test, you will find out what suspected genetic conditions you may or may not have and those that can be passed on to future generations.

Does Everyone Need Genetic Testing?

Genetic testing is all voluntary so it is up to the person or family to decide to get genetic testing. If you decide to do genetic testing, it is best to see a genetic counselor. A genetic counselor will sit down with you or your family and discuss the various inherited disorders that could be an issue.

DNA Paternity Test Is Easy To Do

Rachel — Sun, 06 Sep 2009 18:53:42 +0000

Here is a great instructional video on how to do a DNA paternity test. It’s quite simple and very effective. Just follow these simple tests and any court will deem your test valid.

How Does A DNA Test Work?

Rachel — Mon, 20 Jul 2009 13:51:00 +0000

What happens when you submit your DNA sample in the mail? You submit a a mouth swab and it is sent to a laboratory and scientists there use tests to decipher your DNA.

For most DNA tests such as a paternity test or sibling test, the procedure is the same. They perform a polymerase chain reaction in order to get a DNA profile. A DNA profile is a a small snapshot of the DNA and scientists use this profile to run statistical tests and compare two profiles to see if they are related. If two profiles are related they show similar patterns.

What Is Sibling DNA Testing

Rachel — Mon, 13 Jul 2009 15:52:55 +0000

Sibling DNA Testing can help determine whether sister are full or have siblings. It is usually performed when the father is unavailable for paternity testing. Many siblings want to know if they have both parents in common and taking a sibling DNA test is a great tool to use.

There are usually two tests for sibling DNA. One of the test is called Half Sibling Test which is used when two siblings believe they only share one parent in common. The other test is the Full Sibling Test which is performed when two sibling share one parent in common but would like to know if they share the other parent as well.

This test is great for legal purposes as to show who the father is for child support. It is also good for peace of mind for the parent and the sisters.

Newborn Genetic Screen Testing

Rachel — Wed, 08 Jul 2009 16:24:53 +0000

When your little one is born, it’s important to have a newborn genetic screening done to help you and your child. As parents you need to be informed of any genetic diseases you and your newborn may have or may be carrying. With this information you can tell you child when it is appropriate and help them make important decisions about their health.

What Is Newborn Genetic Screentesting?

Who Pays For Newborn Genetic Screentesting?
Individual states in the U.S. will finance their own newborn screening. Health insurance plans can pay for these tests as well.

It’s important to test your newborn. Ask your doctor and get a test done.

Forensic DNA Helps Missing Children

Rachel — Sat, 27 Jun 2009 22:06:09 +0000

With the revolutionary find of breaking the code, scientists today can use DNA in ways they never thought of. In combination of police force, forensic investigators can now use DNA analysis to help find missing children.

Hundreds of thousands of children are reported missing every year. Most parents have recent photographs and even fingerprints to help identify their child. But this is not enough. Having your child’s DNA on file will be beneficial and even crucial to help find their missing child. DNA home kits are now available. All you need to do is swab your child’s cheek and mail it off.

DNA profiling is a huge advantage to locating missing children and solving crimes. Since everyone DNA’s is unique, with the exception of identical twins, once a police official has your DNA, they can tell who it belongs to. So help your children by being up to date on their photos and medical information and getting a DNA analysis for them.

Genetic Counseling – What You Need To Know

Rachel — Thu, 25 Jun 2009 20:20:29 +0000

Genetic counseling isn’t for everyone. It is primarily used for patients who know they are at risk for an inherited disease and need more information regarding the outcome.

A genetic counselor, who is an expert on medical genetics, will provide patients with with information pertaining to their inherited disorder. Such topics include getting informed of the consequences of the disorder, the probability of transmitting the disorder and what options are available for treatment and management.

Many pregnant women will go see a genetic counselor when they are undergoing prenatal testing and check to see if their unborn child is at risk of any inheritable diseases.

A genetic counselor also provides support during times of distress and loss. They also act as your advocate to to other professionals in the field.

Although the outcome of tests may prove to be upsetting, it is always a good suggestion to get genetic counseling done to be absolutely sure about yourself and your potential children.