The issues for which DNA testing is employed are weighty, complex issues which have the potential to change a person’s life forever. These are issues that pertain to paternity, crime, and a whole range of medico-legal issues.
It is highly imperative that samples are obtained accurately, the procedure carried out with accuracy and near-zero room for error so that the outcome can be a just and fair one and reflective of the true state of affairs as far as the issue under adjudication is concerned. Choosing the right DNA testing providers is imperative.
So how do you choose a DNA testing provider? Some of these tips will help you make a great choice.
DNA testing is a complicated process that must be performed by qualified and highly experienced scientists who adhere to strict laboratory standards. Take the interpretation of the test results for instance. It is possible to obtain a false positive or a false negative report.
In a false positive (inclusion) result, a paternity test may result in a false inclusion (give the result that the tested man is the father even though he is not). This would obviously create a very nasty situation, especially is a repeat test invalidates this result. A DNA test provider who gives a 99% inclusion result is also saying that statistically, 1 in every 100 mails will give the same result. These days, it is standard for a DNA test provider to aim to achieve figures that are closer to 100; 99.99% for example. This can be achieved by testing at least 16 and even up to 24 different DNA marker points, which increases the statistical accuracy of the result.
A false negative (exclusion) result is one in which the tested man is not considered to be the biological father. False negatives typically occur due to sample mix-ups or sample contamination in the lab. A DNA test provider should be able to practice dual testing, where the sample is divided into two and the same test performed on the samples independently by two teams, and final results compared to see if they match. Use of automated processors to collate and process samples in order to eliminate sample mix-ups is a hallmark of a good DNA test provider.
Generally speaking, when selecting a DNA testing facility:
- Be sure it is accredited and certification is up to date.
- Consider a facility which practices double testing to increase the accuracy of results.
- Choose a lab with an experienced staff to ensure accurate results.
- Understand that the actual number of genes tested directly impacts the results.
- It will also be a good idea to choose a DNA test provider that will offer extensive counseling, especially in the area of determining paternity. It is amazing how many people think so little of this aspect until a result comes up to shake the very foundations on which a home or family is built.
It is also important that when it comes to DNA testing, cheap does not necessarily mean the best. It is better to pay more to get an accurate result, than to use a cheaper option that may not guarantee accuracy in results.