Info about Dna Test Kits
Testing for Blood Ties With DNA Test Kits
DNA (deoxyribonucleic acid) is present in every cell in the body. It determines how traits are passed from parents to children. DNA testing has various uses in the life sciences. Formerly, only scientists were able to handle DNA but through innovations in genetics, DNA testing is now available commercially. DNA test kits that make DNA testing accessible to the common consumers are currently produced by different biotechnological companies or DNA laboratories.
A DNA test kit is used to accurately and conveniently determine blood relationships including paternity, maternity and other familial ties. It can be bought readily from local pharmacies. A DNA test kit manufactured by Identigene can be purchased at a local pharmacy for a fee of $148.99. A DNA test kit from DNA Solutions costs $189 while one from Genealogy by Genetics, Ltd. costs $169. If there is no kit available in the local pharmacy, these companies also offer shipping of the DNA test kit.
The main components of a DNA test kit are three specimen gathering kits and three containers. The specimen gathering kit contains three swabs. The containers can either be tubes or envelopes which have to be labeled with the name of the specimen source and signed. If the purpose of the DNA test kit is paternity testing, the child, the mother and the alleged father is allotted one specimen gathering kit and one container.
To use the specimen gathering kit, cells have to be obtained from the inside of the cheek by using the provided swab for 30 seconds to one minute. To increase the amount of cells gathered, the gums and the insides of the lip can also be swabbed. This step has to be repeated two times using the remaining swabs, with at least 3 to 4 hours in between. After swabbing, the swab should be placed in the labeled specimen envelope or tube and sealed. The DNA test kit can then be stored at room temperature.
The main function of the DNA test kit is for collection of DNA samples for analysis. The actual extraction and comparison of the DNA still has to be done in specialized laboratory settings. Thus, upon gathering the specimens and sealing them up, the test kit has to be sent back to the laboratory that manufactured it. Identigene offers a postage paid envelope with the test kit and recommends FedEx and UPS for faster results. Genealogy by Genetics, Ltd. recommends sending back the kit through US Mail which costs approximately $1.22.
Results of DNA testing are usually received within 3 to 5 days from the time the laboratory gets the DNA test kit with samples and the payment. The results are available through e-mail, by phone or by post depending on the preference of the consumer. The main disadvantage to using a test kit is that it is not admissible in court. If the intent of DNA testing is to gain evidence that can be presented in legal proceedings, it is better to use a legal DNA test (e.g. legal paternity test). Companies that offer DNA test kits also offer legal DNA testing.