How does a DNA test work? Have you ever been in doubt of your family bloodline or questioned about you being part of a specific family? Well, DNA tests help you remove those doubts and uncertainties. DNA tests involve testing your DNA profiles to know if a specific person shares biological traits with someone else. There are many testing methods and types of DNA tests that help you get an accurate result.

Most DNA testing involves using polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and restriction fragment length polymorphism (RFLP). This is one of the most advanced methods of testing in history that gives you accurate results of your DNA. More importantly, there is no harm in going for one. To learn more about DNA tests and how they work, read further below.

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What is a DNA Test?

The purpose of a DNA test is to find the roots of different diseases and changes present in your DNA. These tests are essential to keeping people safe from further risk. DNA is a code present in our bodies that makes up genes. These genes instruct our bodies to function in their unique ways. These tests can point out any possible disease that you’re most likely to fall victim to. They also help confirm your biological relationship with someone like your parents, siblings, grandparents, etc.

DNA Testing Procedure

The DNA testing procedure consists of four main steps that help you achieve accurate results. Mentioned below are the four main steps that make up the DNA test:

1.     Extraction

The extraction step involves breaking open the nucleus that houses the DNA. So when you break open the nucleus of cells, the DNA molecules release into the solution. The technicians may also separate DNA molecules from other cellular materials and debris that are usually present in biological samples.

It is impotent to remove these materials as there can be a potential inhibitor on the other DNA testing step. Therefore, isolation of the DNA molecules is very important.  There are two distinct extraction methods. These include Organic Extraction and a robotic extraction system known as the Maxwell.

2.     Quantitation

During the Quantitation process, technicians will assess and measure your DNA samples to ensure the right quality and quantity. DNA testing laboratory standards must make sure that the extracted DNA is only from a human. They will also note the amount of DNA you provide, as this is very important for the other steps to take place. The amplification system needs a narrow range of DNA input, so they will have to measure the samples taken from you.

The Quantitation step goes through the Quantifier DNA Human Quantification Kit through BCA. From there, it runs on all the samples using an instrument known as the ABI PRISM 7500 Sequence Detection System. This step takes around 5 hours, in which set-up takes around 60 minutes, and the instrument’s running takes two hours.

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3.     Amplification

The PCR technique is one of the main traits of the DNA Amplification process. It essentially allows technicians to produce millions of DNA copies of a specific sequence. The Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) takes only a few hours; hence it is very efficient. The purpose of this step is to get the right quality and quantity, especially for forensic DNA samples from a crime scene. The process of heating and cooling the samples in a thermal cycling pattern for over 29 cycles ensures quantity and quality.

4.     Capillary Electrophoresis (CE)

The last step involves the separation of amplified DNA molecules within large mixtures. This last step helps distinguish all the molecules from one another. To achieve this, you need to carry out the Capillary Electrophoresis step. It starts off by processing an electric current through the DNA molecule sample. Thanks to the electrical current, these molecules can enter a thin capillary consisting of gel-oriented polymer. Finally, that helps them migrate to the positive anode, which is at the end of the capillary.

Most DNA molecules consist of a negative charge; hence this step is essential. The technicians separate the PCR products by size. Smaller DNA molecules usually have an easier time entering the polymer compared to larger ones. Finally, the technicians collect all the data and gather it on a computer attached to a CE instrument. With the help of authentic software, they achieve a developed DNA profile. There are different instruments for this step that helps analyze DNA samples effectively, taking altogether around 60 minutes.

The Takeaway: Consult AB DNA Testing for All DNA Testing Services

If you want to find out about your family tree, ethnicity, health conditions, etc., a DNA test is what you need. DNA tests do a lot more than just confirm something, as they also warn you about possible health issues. To achieve authentic DNA results, get in touch with AB DNA Testing Services.