ojaswini on GETTR : DNA Test Kits: Unlocking Family Secrets and Helping Adoptees Find Biological Relatives
How DNA Testing WorksAll...
DNA Test Kits: Unlocking Family Secrets and Helping Adoptees Find Biological Relatives
How DNA Testing WorksAll DNA test kits work in a similar way. First, a user purchases a DNA testing kit from one of the major DNA testing companies like AncestryDNA, 23andMe or FamilyTree DNA. The kits are then mailed directly to the user who collects a saliva sample by swishing a provided solution in their mouth for a few minutes. The sample is then securely mailed back to the DNA testing company's lab for analysis.In the lab, scientists extract the DNA from the saliva sample and analyze specific locations on the DNA called SNPs, or single nucleotide polymorphisms. These SNPs are variants that occur naturally in human DNA at different frequencies in different populations.
The DNA testing companies have built large databases of anonymous SNP information from millions of users to compare an individual's DNA against. From this, they can determine genetic hereditary percentages from different global regions and identify potential DNA matches.Finding Your Ethnicity BreakdownOne of the most popular features of DNA test kits is the ability to learn about one's ancestral ethnic breakdown.
The testing companies analyze autosomal DNA, which is the DNA inherited from all recent ancestors over the last few generations on both maternal and paternal sides. By comparing an individual's DNA to their databases of DNA from various global regions, they can determine approximate percentages of ancestry from different ethnic groups like British & Irish, Scandinavian, African, Native American and more.This ethnic breakdown provides clues to an individual's deep ancestral origins and family history.
For some adoptees or those who don't know their extended biological family tree, it can be their first glimpse into where their blood relatives originally came from hundreds of years ago as populations migrated around the world. The ethnicity estimates are not always 100% accurate, but they paint a general picture of ethnic heritage to kickstart further genealogical research.Connecting with New DNA RelativesBeyond just learning percentages, It can also reveal long lost DNA relatives an individual may not have known existed. When a user's DNA is analyzed, it is compared anonymously against the DNA database of all other users to look for matching segments of DNA that indicate a shared ancestor within the last few generations.
Relatives like 2nd cousins or closer who have also tested may appear as a "DNA match."Customers can then message each other through secure profiles on the company's website to compare family trees and try to determine the ancestral connection. This has helped connect many adoptees with long lost biological family members, as well as reunite separated family members who didn't know DNA cousins existed.
The larger the DNA databases become, the more potential DNA matches surface over time to expand an individual's knowledge of their family tree on both their maternal and paternal sides.Health Insights and TraitsWhile ethnicity and family connections are popular uses, DNA test kits results can also provide health and trait reports that delve even deeper into an individual's DNA composition. Examples include an increased genetic risk for certain inherited conditions like diabetes, cancer risks, and carrier status for recessive disorders.
Trait reports may estimate physical attributes like eye, hair and skin color, as well as less tangible traits like taste and smell preferences.These types of health and traits reports are supplemental information based on specific gene variations associated with certain outcomes in scientific studies. However, they should not be solely relied upon to diagnose medical conditions or predict outcomes with complete accuracy. An individual's lifestyle behaviors and environment also substantially impact health and outward appearances. It is best to discuss any concerning genetic findings with a healthcare provider for proper context.
Privacy and Ownership ConcernsNaturally, handing over one's genome sequence to a private company raises privacy concerns regarding how DNA data is stored, accessed and used in the future. All major testing companies have detailed policies on securing DNA profiles behind firewalls, encrypting data and only keeping information anonymized and not sharing with third parties without consent. However, security vulnerabilities are always possible as technology changes, and governments could potentially seek backdoor access in criminal cases.There is also no promised right to have one's DNA removed from a company's database in the future if a user decides to deactivate their account.
Additionally, when DNA relatives are identified, private family medical history details could potentially be involuntarily shared as well. While DNA test kits deliver unique insights, users must thoughtfully weigh privacy safeguards and trust in the company before undergoing testing if confidentiality is a primary concern. Overall, DNA testing continues providing meaningful genealogical breakthroughs for many, but advances in a legally ambiguous area requiring continuous policy oversight.
DNA Test Kits
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