DNA Test Archives - HomeDNA Paternity

DNA Testing: an Overview

by HOMEDNA on 10/04/2021

DNA testing has become an overarching definition for a variety of genetic tests, but each DNA test is meant for very different purposes. Here’s a brief overview of several common DNA tests.

There are three main groups of DNA testing: Forensics DNA testing, Relationship DNA testing, and Genetic DNA testing.

Forensic DNA Testing

Forensic DNA testing is also called DNA typing or genetic fingerprinting and is used by forensic scientists to help identify people by their DNA. Forensic DNA testing not only helps to identify those involved in a crime, but it’s also used to help identify victims of a catastrophe.

Forensic DNA testing works because each person has a unique DNA sequence called a DNA profile. Although all human DNA is virtually 99.9% identical, one-tenth of a single percent is different. That’s only .01%! This is the DNA that is tested in forensic testing because it distinguishes one person from another.

Types of forensic DNA samples that are submitted vary greatly, several of which contain blood, hair bone or other bodily fluids or tissue. CODIS, also called the Combined DNA Index System is an FBI database containing all DNA profiles on the state and national level. The National DNA Index (NDIS),is a national DNA index of offenders, arrestees and forensic DNA profiles. These are used as tools to assist in solving crimes by finding individuals who may be involved.

Relationship DNA Testing

Relationship DNA tests are used to determine relationships with others either on a personal level or even on a group level. There are several branches that make up this grouping such as genealogical testing (broad level) or paternity testing on a more person (personal level).

First, lets talk about genealogical testing. Genealogical testing is exactly what its title implies: It helps people learn more about their ancestry. This test can help you determine your family lineage such as where your ancestors came from geologically and to whom you may be related . This DNA testing usually involves testing your DNA compared with a pool or group of people within a database to find relationships or commonalities within the population of DNA profiles.

Another type of relationship DNA testing establishes one-on-one relationships, such as paternity testing. This is what HomeDNA Paternity is all about. This type of test can help determine parentage, or in other words, identify someone’s father and you can buy an at-home kit right in the store.

There are other types of relationship tests that must be ordered directly through the lab, such as: grandparent test (if the possible father isn’t available or is unwilling to test); a maternity test (useful in adoption and immigration cases); sibling DNA test to identify if children are full or half siblings or not even related; an aunt/uncle DNA test to determine if someone is an aunt or uncle to a child; a twin zygosity test to determine whether twins are identical or fraternal.

You may need a relationship DNA test for legal purposes, say to establish child custody, child support or for immigration purposes or you may just want to know for peace of mind.

Genetic DNA Testing

Genetic DNA testing, commonly known as clinical DNA testing, is for medical purposes. This test is used to help diagnose and predict risk for health problems.

Newborns are often screened for several genetic disorders and adults and children alike are tested for suspected genetic conditions to help with a diagnosis. Other genetic DNA tests can determine health risks for cancer, diseases, disorders, conditions as well as exercise and drug responses. In addition to helping to determine a suspected genetic condition, it can also predict the chance that person may someday develop or pass on a certain condition to their children. Many of these genetic conditions present themselves in the form of genetic mutations. Although many genetic tests exist, not all genetic disorders or conditions are testable.

There are many more DNA tests that fall within each of these three categories, but these are some of the more common tests.

Originally Posted in 2014: UPDATED OCTOBER, 2021

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“It’s Not My Baby:” Should You Trust Your Intuition?

by HOMEDNA on 09/27/2021

The first time a parent holds their baby is a moment that forever bonds parent and child. But what if you have a nagging feeling that this infant in your arms may not be yours? Would you trust your intuition? Richard Cushworth and his wife Mercy Casanellas dealt with this exact situation, and trusting their intuition made all the difference.

A case of mistaken identity

In 2015, the couple traveled to El Salvador to give birth to their baby boy. But what should have been a happy occasion instead left the family full of uncertainty. For three months, the couple raised the baby as their own despite being suspicious that it wasn’t their child (see picture, above left). They eventually decided to trust their intuition and take a DNA test to find out if this was, in fact, a case of mistaken identity. As it turns out, they were right – the hospital in El Salvador had given the couple the wrong baby. And they were not the only family that had their baby swapped; in fact there were at least five other documented cases where a similar situation had taken place. Eventually, the switched babies were reunited with their families, but nevertheless the couple decided to take legal action against the hospital, citing that this is an injustice and no family should have to go through it.

DNA testing: the truth behind the myths

At this point, you might be wondering why the couple waited three months to come forward if they had the feeling from the start that it wasn’t their child. Maybe they were deterred from conducting a DNA test to find out the baby’s identity, believing that it’s too expensive or invasive.

DNA testing has come a long way over the last few years, and most people would be surprised to know that not only is it affordable, but it’s also easy to do (HomeDNA kits are available at local retailers such as CVS, Rite-Aid , Walgreens, and Walmart.. Although trusting their intuition is what led the couple to actually question the identity of their child, taking a DNA test provided the concrete evidence they needed to proceed with getting their own biological child back.

Is it ours? Let’s talk about it

Another reason the couple could have waited to bring up their doubts is simply because they had no idea how to communicate their suspicions to one another – this isn’t exactly a light topic for pillow talk. As uncomfortable as this kind of conversation can be, it’s still important to have open communication. Can you imagine if this couple had never openly talked to each other about their doubts? They could have gone on raising the wrong baby for years, if not a lifetime, without ever openly questioning if the hospital had swapped their child. This would undoubtedly put a strain on the family and could cause the child to have doubts of their own when they’re older.

Decisions, decisions

When the couple was given back their biological child, they were ecstatic-and who wouldn’t be? But, they also felt heartbroken to give back the baby they had come to know and love as their own. Parents don’t have to be biologically connected to their baby to feel a strong parental bond, and it’s hard to imagine walking away from this situation without feeling a sense of loss.

What would you do?

Although most of us are fortunate enough not to have been in this situation, if you find yourself in doubt about your newborn child, trust your intuition and back it up with a DNA test. This doesn’t mean that you can’t still be a part of the child’s life, but it will give you peace of mind. So the only question that remains is: What would you have done if you had been in Richard Cushworth’s and Mercy Casanella’s’ situation?

The Secret to Amazing Fatherhood Goes Beyond Genetics

by HOMEDNA on 09/13/2021

Fatherhood is a powerful thing, but it is not solely a biological bond. There is also a highly formative psychological one that impacts every aspect of development, personal growth and individual happiness. Fatherhood belongs to any man who rises to the challenge of supporting, raising, and protecting a child through to adulthood, and that power is neither enhanced nor diminished by blood relation.

While having an actively involved father benefits children, being a father benefits men as well. In fact, being a father (or father figure) produces the same positive effects for men whether there are genetic ties to the child or not. According to LiveScience, ‘Taking care of a child reshapes a dad’s brain, causing it to show the same patterns of cognitive and emotional engagement that are seen in moms’ (Gholipour).

Does a child need their biological father to lead a fulfilling life?

At present, there is no scientific research that supports the idea that biology is required for good parenting, strong parent-to-child bonds, or a child’s quality of life. As The Independent, a renowned British national newspaper, points out, ‘Historically, children were brought up in multi-generational homes, with grandparents, parents and siblings all mucking in to bring up the kids. In fact, around 51 million Americans still live in a house with at least two adult generations under one roof’ (Hamilton).

Put simply, non-traditional families can still care for a child and positively impact their life. Stepfathers and other male role models are no less of a parent just because they do not share a child’s genetics, and consequently, genetics do not guarantee that the biological father will be a better parent. Grandfathers, uncles, friends, and stepfathers are all well suited to be positive male role models to a child and can assume the responsibilities of paternity.

As it turns out, being a great father doesn’t necessarily mean being the child’s true biological father; it’s really about wanting to and being there when it matters most for the child to help them grow. And even if you recently did a paternity test and found out you’re not the father, the bond you developed doesn’t have to be broken.

Great fathers provide love and nurturing

Being a great father means being involved in a child’s life. Biologically-related or not, being a father does not help the child if you are absent or neglectful. Amazing fathers nurture their relationship with unconditional love. This involves being there and spending quality, meaningful time with a child. For newborns, this might include participating in playtime, soothing them when they cry, making them laugh, taking them on walks to explore the world, and sharing responsibilities with the mother, like changing diapers .

Involvement should not stop once the child is past infancy. Playing games and going on adventures with your child as they grow older is just as important to show that you still love them and want to be part of their life.

Fathers should help their children learn and grow

Although play is important, it’s easy to fall into the role of buddy instead of father. For this reason, it is also crucial that fathers provide a voice of reason and provide gentle, but firm, discipline when necessary. Learning how to say no,creating healthy boundaries for them and with them, modeling good behavior, and guiding them to make good decisions will assist in their development, helping them grow into a happy, respectful, and responsible individual.

DNA test results won’t affect your ability to be an amazing father

Some men are hesitant to take paternity tests because they are afraid negative results might make them feel like less of a father. However, the secret to being an amazing father goes far beyond genetics. No matter what the DNA test results are, a child can have a fulfilling childhood and a strong relationship with a father who cares. Often, for a child, to know that the biology is NOT there, but the father chose to stay, or even better chose them, speaks volumes to the love and character inherent in the relationship.

The Bottom Line

For some men, knowing that they are indeed a child’s biological father helps them become more actively involved in the child’s life. Even when a DNA test shows they are NOT the father, some men choose to legally adopt so they can protect their rights as a father and secure their relationship with the child involved.

Fatherhood is so much more than a DNA test result, and there is nothing to fear from discovering the truth.

Get a paternity test kit today.

What do you think about this topic? Let us know in the comments below.

Follow us on Facebook and Twitter! If you have questions about paternity tests or other DNA testing services, please contact our Customer Service Center at 888-404-4363, Mon-Fri from 8:30 AM to 5:30 PM Eastern Time. Our friendly, expert representatives are ready and happy to help. Get answers anytime by visiting our Help Center.

Sources

Gholipour, By Bahar. “5 Ways Fatherhood Changes a Man’s Brain.” LiveScience. TechMedia Network, 14 June 2014. Web. 04 June 2015. <http://www.livescience.com/46322-fatherhood-changes-brain.html>.

Hamilton, Chloe. “You Don’t Need Both Biological Parents to Raise a Family.” The Independent. Independent Digital News and Media, 13 Jan. 2014. Web. 04 June 2015. <http://www.independent.co.uk/voices/comment/you-dont-need-both-biological-parents-to-raise-a-family-9056956.html>.