DNA Genetic Testing Information

DNA has certainly been in the news the past few years. From winning murder convictions, to testing for certain medical conditions, to determining paternity or parentage, DNA and DNA testing is becoming a crucial element in our society. But, why would someone go to the expense of having their own DNA analyzed? What are the uses for DNA genetic tests?

Paternity Testing

Today many men are having their DNA tested to prove paternity, that is, whether or not they are the father of a particular child. This test is often used in child custody cases, where the father believes himself to be the father and wants visitation rights. Or, where the man doesn't think he's the father and wants no legal responsibility for the child. To be legally admissible in court, however, the test must be performed by a certified testing facility, accredited by the American Association of Blood Banks (AABB).

While DNA testing for paternity is a simple test, what isn’t simple are the ramifications of such testing, particularly for a child who is being raised by, and considers another man “father.” Before undertaking such tests, a man should consider how a determination of paternity or exclusion will affect himself and the child. For more information on DNA tests for paternity, see our page on DNA Paternity Testing.

Immigration

Another area where DNA testing is also being used is to prove relationships in immigration cases. That’s because U.S. citizens can petition that spouses, parents, children and siblings be allowed to immigrate to the U.S. Green card holders are also allowed to do the same for spouses and unmarried children. Normally the applicants use birth certificates, marriage documents, and medical and school records to provide that proof of relationship. However, if these documents are missing, or fraud is suspected, the Citizenship and Immigration Services may require a DNA test. Again, one should make sure that the testing facility is accredited by the AABB. For more information on using DNA testing for immigration purposes, see our page on DNA Immigration Testing. Also, if you want information on how to look for an immigration attorney, please see our page on Immigration Law Attorney.

Genealogy Research

Genealogy has become one of the hottest hobbies around. While traditional methods of learning about one's ancestors and ancestry is still popular, many people have turned to DNA tests to determine from where their ancestors originated. Two types of DNA testing are Y chromosome testing (Y-DNA) and mitochondrial DNA testing. The Y–DNA tests look at paternal lineage while the mitochondrial DNA looks at maternal lineage.

Such tests can be used to determine such things as: which present-day African country you share your ancestry; which European maternal clan you share ancestry; percentage of Native American ancestry. These tests can be performed using at-home DNA kits. For more information on genetic genealogy research, see our page on Genetic Genealogy.

Again, before undertaking any DNA testing be sure you weigh any ramifications of the test results.

Synonyms: Paterniy, paternitie, paterity, paturnety, patenity, paternty, paternety, patrnity, paturnity, patelnity, patornitie, patelnety, patermity, paterniyt, paterntiy, paterinty, patenrity, patrenity, paetrnity, ptaernity, apternity, paternit, aternity, paaternity, ppaternity, patternity, pateernity, and paternitty are all typos or misspells for "paternity." ddna, dnna and dnaa are typos for "DNA."