How to Choose a Home DNA Testing Kit
All types of testing kits are available in the drugstore today. From tests that will pinpoint the time of ovulation for those struggling with infertility to kits that will check blood sugar levels for those struggling with diabetes. One newer type of test that has been growing in popularity is the home testing kit with 99.999% DNA accuracy, which is 1000 times more accurate than required to meet. These kits offer the ability for people to get answers to the question of parentage. Here are a few things to keep in mind if you are looking to purchase such a kit.
Confidential
Those looking into answers about paternity are often concerned about the very personal nature of this issue. For some, the testing may be used to verify that a child is or is not theirs when there is doubt. For others, the testing may be done to gain proof of parentage for child support issues. No matter what reason this type of testing is being done, be sure to work with a company that can guarantee privacy and confidentiality. Some companies offer results via secure encrypted email, but if you are working with a company that will be delivering the results to your home or office, it is a good idea to look for one that will not send back a package with glaring advertising that the results of a paternity test are inside.
16 marker analysis
Home DNA test kits all promise to determine parentage with a certain degree of accuracy. This number seems to climb with the higher number of genetic markers that will be tested. Some home kits use only 14 genetic markers which may lead to questionable results. In selecting a home DNA kit, be sure to look for one that can test for at least 16 genetic markers. By doing this you will be using one of the most reliable types of home kits that are available today.
AABB Certified
The AABB, or American Association of Blood Banks is a group that promotes very high standards in testing and patient care. In order to qualify for accreditation from this group, a laboratory must meet certain stringent requirements. A self assessment or audit is first submitted from the processing facility. This is followed up by an onsite assessment. Once a facility has reached the high level of certification, it must be checked every two years to make sure it continues to qualify. By choosing a DNA testing company that has this type of certification, you can be sure that your DNA testing will be done with the utmost care and will come back with definitive results that you can trust.
Affordable
Some types of DNA testing can run thousands of dollars. This can be a financial hardship for those who may not have that many resources to put toward finding out about possible paternity. With new at home kits, it is possible to find out about paternity or other DNA issues for little if any money. In fact, some states today will pay for this type of testing if the qualifying individuals are currently using public assistance. Other states, upon completing the test may require the person with proven paternity to pay for the test costs.
Ease
Because most people are not scientists equipped with our own laboratories, looking for a DNA testing kit that is easy to use and understand is a must. Be sure to look for a kit with clear and concise instructions, with all of the necessary equipment included, and that has a good number of customer reviews. Often, these reviews are from real customers who have already tried a product and can tell from experience if they were easy to use, as well as to understand. Customers who are dissatisfied with a product are much more likely to leave a negative review for the next potential customer, so by looking for a kit with positive reviews, you are more likely to locate an item that will better fit your needs.
DNA testing today is now easier than ever. With access to technology these tests can be completed in a matter of a few days. Accredited laboratories and testing facilities have made it so that there can be a dramatic increase in certainty and accuracy in tests today. By making sure to look for a testing kit that will be easy to use, confidential to receive information from and done by a testing facility that is backed with a great rating, you will be able to rest assured that your accurate results will come back quickly.
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i would like to think abutthe idea, that even though you do not want to use, you at least know you have the possibility to do so.
I would never have a need for this but it is yet another advancement in technology so I ain’t hating. HA! Thanks for sharing this product…cool
It amazes me that our moral society has become such that we need home DNA tests! I am not religious at all, but I was raised that you wait until you have the one you are going to marry to engage in sex, and I have done that with both of my husbands. Not so much judging people, because to each his own, but I just can’t imagine not knowing, or needing to prove who my kids belong to! Hopefully I never need this with my kids, but I know the world has changed, and now I have the info to select if I need one
Allyson, you are completely correct. I too think it is a sign of the fall that we have made, and shows that nothing is sacred anymore.
This would be very interesting to do, I’d love to try this!
I saw a DNA test at the Dollar Tree the other day. Right next to the pregnancy tests and drug tests. I was like, “Whaaaat?” If you need these types of tests, I think it would be smart to pay a little more than $1.00 for them!
that is too funny…I would think so too! Thanks so much for sharing!