In the last few years, more and more African Americans have been undergoing ethnicity DNA tests to determine their African ancestry. This is not just limited to African Americans. In many heterogenous societies, people have more than ever before started to wonder where their ancestries are traceable to. Many adopted children would love to know who [...]]]> In the last few years, more and more African Americans have been undergoing ethnicity DNA tests to determine their African ancestry. This is not just limited to African Americans. In many heterogenous societies, people have more than ever before started to wonder where their ancestries are traceable to. Many adopted children would love to know who their original parents are, as well as their places of origin. 

These and other questions are being answered through the use of ethnicity testing techniques, thanks to modern advances in DNA testing technology. In ethnicity testing, DNA samples are collected using the buccal swab technique, and the DNA results matched against the existing ethnic profiles that have been compiled from studies such as the Human Genome Project.

There are three variations of ethnicity testing:

ETHNIC DNA TESTING TYPE #1: Y-DNA Testing of Your Paternal Line

This test assesses the extent of paternal ancestry based on the Y-chromosome (the male chromosome). It assigns specific paternal haplogroups to specific nationalities. This is measured in percentages. For example, 30% of American and Caribbean blacks have a European haplogroup because many of their great-grand parents who worked on plantation farms as slaves were fathered by the plantation owners, who were mostly European settlers to America.

This type of genetic testing also identifies genetic cousins. Since this test is based on the Y-chromosome, it can only be taken by males.

ETHNIC DNA TESTING #2: Mitochondrial DNA Testing of Your Maternal Line

This is based on the fact that mothers pass on their mitochondrial DNA to her children (male and female). So it is used to trace the maternal lineage. Results are typically ready in four to six weeks.

These two tests are based on the sex chromosomes.

ETHNIC DNA TESTING #3: Autosomal DNA Testing

This uses 22 out of the 23 human chromosome pairs to measure total ancestry composition. These 22 pairs of chromosomes come from both paternal (22) and maternal (22) lines. The basic assumption is that certain marker values occur at different frequencies in different populations. By comparing the individual’s results with that of specific population groups, ethnic groups or world regions where the individual’s total combination of ancestry is most common can be identified.

A typical test result will include the following items:
1. A certificate with a results table showing your ancestral proportions.
2. A graphical representation of your results.
3. Your genotypes at tested markers.
4. A user manual explaining the results.

Full siblings are individuals who are born of both biological parents. Half siblings share only one [...]]]> Sibling DNA testing is used to determine whether the two people in question share the same biological parents, especially when those parents are not available for testing. Sibling testing can determine if the test subjects are full siblings or half siblings.

Full siblings are individuals who are born of both biological parents. Half siblings share only one biological parent, either the mother or the father.

Sibling analysis is not as conclusive as paternity testing. The results will provide a statistical likelihood of whether two individuals are true biological relatives, but sibling analysis cannot provide a conclusive result. The statistical likelihood in this case is expressed as a likelihood ratio. The likelihood ratio summarizes the information generated from the DNA test.  A likelihood ratio of LESS than one means that the test subjects are unlikely to be related. A likelihood ratio GREATER than one means it is likely that the test subjects are related. (The range is from one to infinity)

If any of the parents of the siblings who are being assessed are available for testing, this will increase the certainty of the result. As in a paternity test a DNA profile is produced for each person made up of a number of DNA markers. The DNA profiles of the two people are then compared.

On average full siblings will share more DNA markers than half siblings, and half siblings share more DNA markers than unrelated people. The statistical analysis performed will determine the most likely relationship given the DNA results.

There are different variations of sibling testing.

BROTHERS Y-TEST

This is premised on the fact that all men have one Y chromosome which they pass to all their sons. By testing this Y chromsome in two or more brothers, we can see if they have the same father. The results of sibling testing for males is 99.9%.

SISTERS X-TEST

The basis of this test stems from the fact that all men have one X chromosome which they pass to all their daughters. By testing the X chromosome in two sisters, it is possible to detect if the test subjects have the same father. This test is best carried out for sisters with different mothers.

MITOCHONDRIAL TEST

Mitochondrial DNA is only inherited from the mother, so it is the ideal test to see if siblings have the same biological mother. The accuracy of the test is highly dependent on the type of mitochondrial DNA you have. If two matching persons have a rare type of Mitochondrial DNA then they are more likely to be siblings, than two persons who match with a common type of mitochondrial DNA.

The full sibling test is required to test a brother and sister for the same father.

 A trained physician will take prenatal samples using well-established methods. [...]]]> A prenatal paternity test is done when it is necessary to prove whether a man is the biological father of a child. This test is carried out on the unborn child when those involved do not wish to wait until the child is born to determine paternity.

 A trained physician will take prenatal samples using well-established methods. DNA is then extracted from these samples and analysed. Because DNA is formed at conception and never changes, the same conclusive results will be obtained with a prenatal paternity test, as with a normal paternity test.

 If the test is to be for personal knowledge only, samples from the alleged father as well as the mother can be collected using a home kit. However, if the testing is required in a legal situation, then it needs to be done following the legal channels. Documentation processes have to be followed, that are acceptable by the courts as well as other government agencies, to determine and prove in a court of law, whether the alleged person is the father of the baby or not.

 DNA prenatal paternity testing gives a probability of 99.9% or higher of paternity, and 100% probability that the alleged person is not the father of the child. In a prenatal paternity test, the prenatal sample, as well as the mother and alleged father are tested. The mother needs to be involved in this test because the laboratory undertaking the testing needs to distinguish her DNA from that of the baby’s in the prenatal sample that contains cells from both the baby and the mother.

 Prenatal samples are collected by following one of two procedures, depending on the stage of the pregnancy. The first, chorionic villi sampling, or CVS, is done during the 10th to 13th weeks of pregnancy. This involves taking a small sample from the placenta, the membrane that partially surrounds the developing fetus, either by way of the vagina, or through the abdominal wall.

 Then there is the amniocentesis test, which can be carried out during the 14th to 24th weeks of pregnancy. A sample of amniotic fluid is drawn from the sac surrounding the developing fetus. This amniotic fluid contains fetal cells that are used in analysing the DNA. Amniotic fluid is obtained by inserting a needle through the abdominal wall.

 Both these procedures are invasive, with a slight risk of infection, and an even smaller risk of miscarriage, and are only carried out by a trained physician. These procedures are also both used to determine any genetic birth defects or other possible health problems with the baby.

 These prenatal paternity tests are the only accurate tests that are available, and although somewhat expensive, are the only options available for those wanting or needing a paternity test carried out. If the amniocentesis test is carried out for medical purposes, there are insurance companies that may cover the fee involved.

While it may be necessary for the mother to want or need to know the identity of [...]]]> Under certain circumstances it becomes necessary to do pre-paternity testing to determine the father of the child. These tests are available, but are not available as home testing kits. Pre-paternity testing has to be carried out by a trained physician.

While it may be necessary for the mother to want or need to know the identity of the father of the child, the life and health of the unborn fetus is of utmost importance to the doctor. The procedures that are available for pre-paternity testing are sometimes slightly invasive when taking some of the DNA in order to determine the identity of the father. Although the test is not harmful to the baby in most cases, it does involve the fetus being disturbed, and there are certain factors that need to be considered.

 When considering pre-paternity testing, it is very important that the doctor examine the mother to see how far she is into the pregnancy in order to determine what type of re-natal paternity testing can be carried out. The doctor will also check the health of both the baby and the mother, to determine whether complications are a possibility or not. If the doctor has any doubts whatsoever, he/she will recommend that the pre-paternity testing be carried out after the birth of the baby.

 There are two extraction methods that the doctor can carry out in order to obtain the DNA necessary for the test. The first method is CVS, or chorionic villi sampling, that can be performed during the tenth and thirteenth weeks of pregnancy. A sample of the placenta can be obtained either through the vagina or the abdominal area. This will give conclusive identity of the father, as the material that makes up the placenta has exactly the same DNA as the original egg cell.

 Between the fourteenth and twenty-fourth weeks of pregnancy, an amniocentesis test can be carried out. A needle is inserted into the amniotic sac and a small amount of the fluid extracted. As this test is done directly into where the fetus is developing, there are risks involved, although complications from this test are very rare.

 Although both methods pose a risk for the mother and the baby, both are safe in most cases. There is always concern that the needle may injure the baby during the amniocentesis test, but because doctors are now well trained in this method, the risks are a lot less than when the procedure was first introduced. Bleeding and cramping could also occur with both of these methods, however, staying in contact with the doctor will ensure that nothing goes wrong.

 Due to the invasiveness of both procedures, and laboratory fees involved with extracting the DNA from the samples, pre-paternity testing is expensive. If an amniocentesis test is done to determine the health of the baby, there are some insurance companies that will cover this test, although not for paternity testing.

Why Is A Free Paternity Test Offered?

One reason why there are free tests such [...]]]> Are you in fear of not being able to afford a paternity test? If this is the case, there is nothing to worry about. There are free paternity tests available to help you find out who the real father of your child is.

Why Is A Free Paternity Test Offered?

One reason why there are free tests such as this is that there are a lot of young expectant mothers. If these mothers are not yet established, they will not be able to shoulder the costs of the tests.

Another reason why these tests are free is if they will be used as evidence in court. Due to the legal nature of the need, various companies are contracted to administer these tests to ensure they are not tampered with. This is another reason why these tests are free.

What Is A Paternity Test?

A paternity test is done to accurately determine is a child was fathered by a particular man. This is done through DNA comparison. Through DNA testing, the paternity of a man cannot be denied. It is the most accurate method of finding out if a man is the biological father of a child or not.

There are two types of free tests. These tests are done after the child is born, and the results can quickly be processed.

Here are those 2 tests:

Blood Test

A blood test involves collecting a small sample of blood from the child. With just a small sample of blood, the biological father can be accurately determined.

Buccal Swab

A buccal swab is another free paternity test. Unlike a blood test that requires the collection of blood, with this test, all that has to be done is to enter a sponge or Dacron tipped swab into the child’s mouth. The swab is then rubbed against the inner cheek to collect DNA samples.

The Purpose Of These Tests

There are a lot of purposes behind these tests. Aside from knowing the paternity of a child, there are other medical purposes. One purpose is to find out if the child has any genetic defects. Through this test, it will be known if the child suffers from any abnormalities, which helps its parents prepare.

These tests are also used for legal purposes. In court, these tests are administered to determine if a man is a child’s father or not. In this way, the man cannot deny the child’s financial support and future.

Advantages

When it comes to medicine, parents will know if their unborn child is normal, or if the child has defects. It helps them prepare mentally, and prepare for what lies ahead. In worse case scenarios, a free paternity test helps parents decide whether they want to keep the child or not.

When legal matters are concerned, these tests give men no choice but to support their child. It also gives fathers the right for visitation rights, if the mothers deny the men of their paternal rights.

In any case, free paternity test is the most uncontested method of finding out if a man is the father of a child or not.

Why Do A Lot Of Men [...]]]> For a lot of men, it is important to know if the child presented to you is really your own. One way of making sure is through an at home paternity test. These tests are simple to do, and will give you accurate results in a matter of a few days.

Why Do A Lot Of Men Prefer To Administer These Tests At Home?

Aside from knowing for a fact if the child is of your own blood, there are a lot of other reasons why men prefer to take these tests home, and administer these tests themselves.

One reason would be privacy. There are a lot of men who value their privacy, and these tests allow them this freedom.

Another reason would be the sensitivity of the matter. There are men who prefer to keep these tests to themselves, until they get the results.

For whatever reason they may have, administering the test in the comforts of their own home is more ideal. There will not be any prying eyes, and there is no possibility of bumping into someone you know, which may turn out to be an awkward situation.

How Is An At Home Paternity Test Done?

The tests have easy to follow instructions and are easy to do. All you have to do is purchase these kits off the shelf in your local pharmacy. Then, you take the kit home, and label the envelope provided in the package. After this, all you have to do is rub the swab on the walls of your inner cheeks, and enter the swab in the labeled envelope. The last step is to mail the DNA sample to the address provided in the package. After this, all you have to do is to wait for at least 3 days for the results to come out.

The Difference From Other Paternity Tests

There are a couple of differences between conventional paternity tests and an at home paternity test.

One obvious difference would be that conventional tests are done in medical facilities, labs, or hospitals and these tests are done from the privacy of your own home.

Another difference is how they would hold up in court. Since these tests are done in an individual’s home, courts cannot verify their validity. The reason behind this is that there is no facilitator and these tests can easily be tampered with.

What Are The Benefits Of An At Home Paternity Test?

One benefit would be that you can keep this issue private. For whatever reason they may have, these tests keep things quiet. Another benefit would be practicality. Compared to past DNA tests, these tests are much more within everyone’s price range. The last benefit would be convenience. You don’t have to set up an appointment, and you will be on your own time.

These tests are precise and accurate, and allow you to keep things from blowing out of proportion. This is what a lot of men prefer. An at home paternity test will let you know if you have fathered a child or not.