DNA is the genetic material found in all living organisms. Humans share over 99.9% of the same DNA, but the small differences make us unique. DNA testing is used for determining paternity, tracing ancestry, and convicting or exonerating people accused of a crime. A DNA swab is the simplest and most commonly used method of obtaining a sample of an individual’s DNA, and it can be used for comparison tests and genealogical studies. DNA testing is highly accurate and can be used to establish paternity, rule out potential suspects in a crime, or convict a defendant to trial.
Deoxyribonucleic acid, commonly known as DNA, is the nucleic acid found in all living organisms that contains the genetic instructions for life. Humans share over 99.9% of the same DNA; however, the small amount that differs between humans is what makes us unique. The subtle differences in each person’s DNA profile are also used to determine family relationships and basic genealogy. To test a person’s DNA, a DNA swab must be taken for study or comparison. A DNA swab is a simple scraping taken from the inside of the cheek onto what looks like a large cotton swab.
While the concept behind DNA has been known to scientists for decades, a useful way to test and study it wasn’t developed until the 1980s. Since then, DNA testing has become the accepted method for determining paternity, for tracing ancestry roots, and even for convicting or exonerating people accused of a crime. The first step in using DNA testing is to secure a sample of the subject’s DNA through the use of a DNA swab.
A DNA swab, or mouth swab, is the simplest and most commonly used method of obtaining a sample of an individual’s DNA. It’s fast, painless and efficient. A long swab, which looks like a long Q-tip®, is placed in the mouth and then rubbed into the cheek. This simple process manages to collect enough DNA to perform thorough DNA testing, in most cases. DNA obtained via a DNA swab can usually be stored for a long time in case further testing is needed at a later time.
Once the DNA swab is obtained, it can be used to perform comparison tests for paternity or evidentiary purposes. Additionally, a DNA swab can be used for a general DNA genealogical study to determine the individual’s heredity. DNA testing is generally thought to be highly accurate when done correctly.
When used to establish paternity, a swab of DNA is taken from both the child and the putative, or alleged, father and then compared against each other. Most US courts consider a positive DNA test match to be sufficient evidence to legally establish a child’s paternity. DNA testing is also used to rule out potential suspects in a crime or to convict a defendant to trial. In recent years, DNA testing has also been used to exonerate wrongfully convicted criminals using current DNA technology that was not available at the time of conviction. People can also request a voluntary DNA profile which can provide an individual with information about what percentage of their heritage is of Caucasian, African, Hispanic or Asian descent, for example.
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