There are two main types of DNA test. Which one is right for you?
Around the world each year, millions of people purchase a professional DNA test. An estimated 300,000 tests are ordered every year just in the United States alone. Recent advancements in testing science and technology have made DNA testing fast, affordable and accessible to ordinary people. The most popular type of DNA test is the paternity test, although most labs offer a wide range of relationship testing - including maternity, twin, sibling, grandparent, aunt/uncle and prenatal paternity tests.
If you or somebody close to you is considering purchasing a test, it's important to choose the right kind. Most labs offer two variations of paternity test - a legal test and a peace of mind test. In this article we'll explain the difference between the two.
Legal testing
If you require a DNA test for any kind of official or legal purposes, you should order a legal test. The testing company will send a trained sample collector to your home, who will take the DNA samples, check your ID and fill in all the required paperwork. They will take the completed sample kit with them and transport it back to the lab under a carefully controlled chain of custody. This guarantees that the correct people are being tested, and that there's no possibility of the samples being tampered with.
Legal tests can be used for things like child custody cases and immigration matters. Just remember that a legal test is only valid of the testing labs is ISO accredited and government approved. You can find more information about ISO accreditation here.
Because of the extra work and travel involved, legal DNA tests are usually a little more expensive.
Peace of mind testing
Also referred to as a 'home DNA test', a peace of mind test can be done in the comfort and privacy of your own home. The testing kit is sent to you in the mail, you take the samples yourself using a mouth swab, and when you're done you simply put everything back in the envelope and send it back to the testing laboratory. Nobody needs to visit your home and you don't have to go anywhere.
Peace of mind tests are a little cheaper and offer more discretion & privacy. The science is just as rigorous, and the results are just as accurate as a legal test. The only drawback is that the results are not valid for use in court or any kind of legal proceedings - they are simply for your own reassurance and peace of mind.
Where can I buy a test?
Peace of mind tests can be ordered online or over the phone. For a legal test, you will need to contact a testing company and arrange an appointment with a sample collector. There are hundreds of commercial DNA testing companies out there - just be sure to use an accredited company, regardless of which type of test you need. You can find a list of accredited companies, along with impartial customer reviews at dnatestingchoice.com. In the United Kingdom, the government website has a list of government-approved testing labs. Simply search online for "gov uk get a dna test".
Prenatal DNA testing works a little differently. The expectant mother has to provide a blood sample, which the lab will use to look for small traces of feotal DNA. This can't be done at home - you will need to make an appointment with a trained medical professional such as a doctor, nurse or phlebotomist. The potentially father provides a mouth swab (like you would for a normal paternity test) and the two samples are compared at the lab. Speak to your doctor if you need more advice.
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