In the past 20 years DNA testing labs have sprung up across the country to meet the demand for this scientific tool that can do so much

When you submit to a standard DNA test, you can take a home test or go to a lab. Once the sample is received, lab workers will denature, amplify and mark DNA samples into smaller segments with a fluorescent tagging device called STR through PCR. There is a second option. The lab may tag the samples RFLP or mtDNA.

The DNA segments become separated and identified through gel electrophoresis or capillary electrophoresis. When this process is complete workers interpret the data to determine paternity or genealogy. At this time the results are released to the authorized individuals.

The most common use of DNA testing is for paternity and for this purpose the lab will employ the STR polymorphism. STR stands for short tandem repeats and they are useful genetic markers. The number of repeats is different with each individual but they are inherited in a predictable pattern from parent to child.

Because STRs come from both biological parents they are a practical DNA segment for identification. Children receive half their DNA from their mother and half from their father so it’s easy to confirm the biological relationship with children and parents by comparing their STRs. This method is used more than any other because they can be easily amplified in the testing process.

Mitochondrial DNA testing is another tool to see if people are biologically related. Mitochondria is found in all cells and passed down from a mother to her children. This test determines the organization of the DNA base pairs which is unique to every family.

No matter what method DNA testing labs use, the results will provide 99.9% accuracy of findings.