DNA is a difficult topic to understand for many. As one of the top DNA testing labs in the world, here are a few of the more unusual questions we’ve fielded along with their answers.
- Question: “If I send you my DNA and a copy of my birth certificate can you tell me if that is really where I was born?”Answer: Unfortunately, your DNA does not contain any information about your birthplace.
- Question: “Can you tell if someone does drugs by testing their DNA?”Answer:No, we cannot. This is a more common question than you might expect. We cannot detect alcohol use or abuse in your DNA either.
- Question: “I was sick with the flu when I swabbed. Will this change my results?”Answer: No, your DNA is not affected by virus or bacteria. It is also not impacted by cancer, HIV, or other diseases.
- Question: “How old do you have to be to test your DNA?”Answer: You can test an unborn child’s DNA by sampling the amniotic fluid of the mother. Meaning, there is no age limit. You can test a child right after he/she is born. Your DNA is the same from the time of conception until you die.
- Question: “Is it possible that my DNA is the Da Vinci Code?”
DNA is a subject that is not always easy to understand. Don’t hesitate to ask questions about it as comments on this blog.
Sam McGraw says
This is probably going to be one of those weird questions….but here we go….is there a way to tell if two siblings have the same father…if there is no father to test with them…
Identigene says
Hi Sam,
That is not a weird question at all! Yes, we can test if two children are siblings even if the father is not available. There are a few options available to do this, please contact us at 1-888-404-GENE, Monday- Friday, ET and we would be happy to explain the best option for you. Thank you!
Joy Overton says
Is there a way for the test to decipher how closely related two people are? Like if you know for fact you are related on one side of your family, but there is a question on the other side of the family can a DNA decipher this? FYI, it isn’t for a marriage it is for finding out how closely kin I am to a cousin.
Identigene says
Hi Joy,
Unfortunately, we do not offer testing that will help you with this. We recommend that you contact ancestry.com as they have tests that can help you with your questions.
Gail says
I am 12 weeks, can identigene be used to determine unborn child’s father. What kind of sample would you need and how?
Identigene says
Hi Gail,
Thank you for your question. We do offer a Pre-Natal Paternity Test for $400 and it will take 3-4 weeks to process. Please consult your physician or genetic counselor for professional advice regarding prenatal sample collection. There are two types of DNA samples that can be collected for this testing, and both are considered to be special specimens. The first option is a CVS (Chronic Veli Sample) and is typically collected between the 9th and 12th week of pregnancy. You can speak with your doctor to see if they will be willing to collect this type of sample for you. The second option is an amniocentesis and is typically collected between the 12th and 21st week of pregnancy.
Since these samples are special specimens, unfortunately we cannot guarantee that the samples will produce results because these samples are more difficult to work with. When you have decided to go forward with this type of test, once you have found a doctor to perform the sample collection for you, you will need to give us a call at 888-404-4363 and speak with one of our DNA consultants to set up your account. We will need to send a special collection kit to the doctor who will be taking the sample along with the required paperwork for a special specimen.
I hope this answers your question. Feel free to give us a call at 1-888-404-4363, Monday-Friday 9AM-6PM ET if you have any further questions and we will be more than happy to assist you!
Brenna says
I recently had a DNA test done for my newborns supposed farther. On the results it shows numerous places 6+ where the alleged father didn’t have a number in the Y chromosome column. why? Also numbers matched but still came to be zero. How is that possible?
IDENTIGENE says
Hi, Brenna. Without seeing the report for the company you tested with, it’s hard for me to comment, especially on the “Y chromosome column” part of your question. As for the other part of your question, it’s entirely possible for the father to match a child at some markers, yet still not be considered the biological father. This is because if there’s even ONE mismatch, he’s not considered the father. You’re welcome to contact our experts directly at 888-404-4363 and they’ll be able to help you further.
Allan Doorey says
I would like to know if a DNA test can indicate incest in my family going back four generation.
Admin says
Hi, Allan. This would require the testing participation of all mothers and fathers going back four generations, which seems an unlikely scenario since many participants are no doubt deceased. But, depending on how many direct-line relatives are available to test, that’s how far back you can go.
Kodie says
How can I get paternity test done when all I have from the deceased father is the medical documents from the last year of him having cancer?
Identigene says
Hi, Kodie. Are there close biological relatives to the deceased who would be willing to test? If so, I suggest you contact our parent company DDC directly, and one of their specialists can help determine which DNA test might be best to help you answer your question: 800-681-7162.
Dean says
A woman recently tested my brother thinking he was the father of her child the results came back 0% all around. Now she is testing me. Would the fact that he came back 0% mean I wasn’t the father either?
Identigene says
Results from a straight paternity test always trump any other kind of relationship testing. If it truly was the child’s DNA and your brother’s DNA that were tested in the first test, the result of your test should be the same as his.