DNA Testing

DNA Testing

English: DNA replication or DNA synthesis is the process of copying a double-stranded DNA molecule. This process is paramount to all life as we know it. (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

There are a lot of reasons you may want to do DNA Testing.   I for one, did some DNA Testing recently for genealogy research to find family members.  Whatever the reason is you want or even need to have this sort of testing done, you will want to make sure the company you choose is qualified.   Here are 6 things that you should look for when you think you will need to do a DNA Test.

Six Things to Look For When Selecting a Home DNA Testing Company

Deoxyribonucleic acid, also known as DNA, is the chemical that is responsible for the storage of all your genetic information. DNA tests are an effective way of identifying individuals for evidence in criminal cases, paternity cases, natural disasters, or even disease screenings. DNA tests can be conducted in a clinical setting such as at a hospital or in your own home. There are many benefits that come from conducting a DNA test at home, such as privacy and flexibility. With so many DNA testing companies to choose from, it can be difficult to decide which company you should work with. Below are six things to look for when selecting a home DNA testing company.

1 – Experience
One of the most important deciding factors for selecting a DNA testing company to work with should be experience. Do a little research to find out how long the company has been in business for and what kind of a reputation it has. Look for reviews from previous clients and from companies that have done business with them. Find out if the company has experience helping people in your specific situation. For example, if you are hoping to establish paternity, be sure that the company has a reputation for providing accurate results.
2 – Accreditation
When working with a DNA testing company, make sure that the company uses a properly accredited laboratory. Look for a company with the highest levels of national and international accreditation. Laboratories must meet stringent requirements in technical competence and quality assurance in order to achieve such high accreditation and rankings. Make sure that the service provider you work with is fully accredited.
3 – Technical Support

A U.S. Customs and Border Protection chemist reads a DNA profile to determine the origin of a commodity. (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

Home DNA testing does not need to be as complicated as it sounds, especially with the proper technical support. Home DNA testing can be a simple and painless process with the right help. Does the DNA testing company that you are considering working with have a fully trained technical support team that can answer all of your DNA testing questions? Will they answer all of your questions in a timely manner or is there a lengthy turnaround time for responses? Look for a company that will be there when you need it most.
4 – Private and Confidential
One of the primary reasons that many people choose homedna.com DNA testing rather than going to a public place such as a hospital or a clinic is that they do not want others to see them performing the test and they especially do not want others to see the results if they are not directly involved in the testing. Look for a company that has a strong focus on privacy and confidentiality. One of the best ways to ensure that your DNA test results will not be discovered by unauthorized individuals is by asking the company that you choose to work if they can issue your results via a securely downloadable copy or through postal mail in a plain, unmarked envelope. Also make sure that the company has a policy of never giving out your results over the phone since they have no guarantee of whom they are speaking to.
5 – Affordable
Because DNA tests are offered anywhere from free to in the range of hundreds of dollars, you want to make sure that you are getting the highest quality of test possible at the lowest price possible. A laboratory that has a large and highly skilled team of scientists and labs with large processing capacity capabilities is likely to offer a lower price for their services due to economies of scale. Look for deals such as free DNA home testing kit that allows you to pay for lab services fees at a later date.
6 – Accurate
You want DNA test results that are extremely accurate and reliable. Although it is never possible to reach an accuracy rate of 100% every single time, accredited DNA testing companies are required to adhere to an accuracy rate standard of 99% or great. Some top of the line companies go above and beyond this base level to achieve an accuracy rate of up to 99.999%. Greater accuracy is likely to be achieved when a company fully complies with the strictest testing and control protocols.