By Brooke Hayles

What do you think of when you hear about DNA testing? Is it specified testing that looks for DNA sequences? Your genetic information is inside every cells.

Deoxyribonucleic acid is the scientific name for DNA, and it determines each cells behavior, function, and structure. What is great about DNA is that not only can it tell the identity of a person, and their relationship to others, but it can also give information about thousands of genetic conditions and diseases. Because DNA testing is becoming cheaper, it is becoming more popular.

There are many uses of DNA testing, such as to establish paternity. Paternity can also be established in an unborn child. This is done with amniocentesis or CVS (Chorionic Villi Sampling). The CVS test is generally done in the early stages of a pregnancy between ten to thirteen weeks along. While the amniocentesis is generally done between the fourteenth and twenty-fourth weeks of pregnancy.

Breakthroughs with DNA testing happen often. One DNA tests that has been gaining in popularity is ancestry DNA testing. Our DNA comes from both of our parents. Most areas of our DNA go through changes. However, there are some areas of the DNA do not change at all or change very slowly. By looking at the changes and at the DNA that does not change, ancestry testing is able to link many generations together and reconstruct the history of families.

DNA testing has also become popular with people who have been adopted. DNA testing can allow them to trace their ancestors and find biological parents.

To perform most kinds of DNA testing, a cotton swab is rubbed on the inside of the clients’ mouth.  It is painless, easy, and quick, this means even a baby can undergo testing. The cheek swab contains skin cells that have the same DNA material that is in blood. Then the swab is sent to the laboratory to analyze the DNA in the cells, and determine if there is a match between the people participating in that test.

DNA is also used to solve crimes. DNA testing has been used to prove guilt or innocent in those that stand accused of crimes.

DNA testing has been used to conduct an evaluation of health risks and health. The tests can even aid a person in loss by defining foods they crave.