Everything you need to know about DNA testing kits

Thousands of people in the country are opting for DNA tests. Your DNA holds a lot of valuable information that has the potential to tell you a lot about who you are, where you come from, and what is the history of your biological family.

If you think that you already know everything about your family, you might still be surprised by the results of your DNA tests.

This is the best time to buy a DNA testing kit because numerous choices are available in the market. So, if you’re on the fence about getting your hands on the best DNA testing kit, here are some questions and answers that will help you understand these kits.

What exactly is DNA?
DNA is the basic code that makes up our bodies, and it actually stands for Deoxyribonucleic Acid. Think of it as a blueprint that makes up the smallest matter of all living things.

• It is ultimately four chemical bases that work together in different ways and command cells to make amino acid which changes to form proteins, and these proteins form organs, and so on until they form a whole living being.
• Like fingerprints, every individual’s DNA is unique. Although all humans share about 99% of it, it’s that final percent that makes us all look and sound different, and gives us our unique personalities.

What are the differences between autosomal DNA tests and mtDNA tests?
Autosomal DNA and mtDNA are two bands of DNA that can be used to test different aspects of one’s ancestry. Read on to know more about the differences between these DNA tests.

• Autosomal DNA tests are the best DNA tests available. These tests cover both the sides of one’s family and can be used to uncover one’s race, heritage, and region of origin.
• mtDNA tests stand for mitochondrial DNA tests. Unlike autosomal DNA, it takes all its information from the maternal side of one’s DNA. Thus, these tests can be used to trace one’s biological mother, grandmother, and so on. These tests do not provide as much information as autosomal DNA tests.
• An important point to note is that mtDNA tests don’t cover your mother’s father, grandfather, or other male relatives.

What are Y-DNA tests?

• This DNA test is used for uncovering information from the chromosomes inherited from your father.
• Only men can opt for these tests. They can help one follow and locate their paternal lineage and history.
• This test is also used to determine the biological father of a child.

What steps does one need to follow to get their DNA tested?
DNA test providers have easy at-home kits which make this whole process less intimidating.

• You start by picking your provider, depending on what kind of tests they offer. You should check if they cover what you’re looking for. Once you’re done, visit their website to register your details and place an order for a DNA testing kit.
• Some providers give free DNA kits. However, for most other DNA testing kits, you need to send your samples to these providers along with your payment.
• At-home testing kits don’t need blood to test for DNA. Most of these tests use saliva.
• Some kits come with specific instructions and preferences for DNA samples, such saliva from the gums, or swabs from the insides of your cheek. In case you’re confused, you’ll find detailed information on their website.
• Once you have your samples, you need to post them to the provider. You need to be careful at this stage since there are specific regulations for sending bodily fluids through the post. Don’t forget to activate your kit and connect it to your online account. This will allow you to see your results online.
• DNA testing companies usually send the results within 4 to 8 weeks. However, some might take a longer duration. You can check your results online, or ask the company to send these results by post.

Everything you need to know about DNA testing kits

Thousands of people in the country are opting for DNA tests. Your DNA holds a lot of valuable information that has the potential to tell you a lot about who you are, where you come from, and what is the history of your biological family.

If you think that you already know everything about your family, you might still be surprised by the results of your DNA tests. Many people who have done DNA tests have found something new about themselves.

This is the best time to buy a DNA testing kit because numerous choices are available in the market. So, if you’re on the fence about getting your hands on the best DNA testing kit, here are some questions and answers that will help you understand these kits.

What exactly is DNA?
DNA is the basic code that makes up our bodies, and it actually stands for Deoxyribonucleic Acid. Think of it as a blueprint that makes up the smallest matter of all living things.

• It is ultimately four chemical bases that work together in different ways and command cells to make amino acid which changes to form proteins, and these proteins form organs, and so on until they form a whole living being.
• Like fingerprints, every individual’s DNA is unique. Although all humans share about 99% of it, it’s that final percent that makes us all look and sound different, and gives us our unique personalities.

What are the differences between autosomal DNA tests and mtDNA tests?
Autosomal DNA and mtDNA are two bands of DNA that can be used to test different aspects of one’s ancestry. Read on to know more about the differences between these DNA tests.

• Autosomal DNA tests are the best DNA tests available. These tests cover both the sides of one’s family and can be used to uncover one’s race, heritage, and region of origin.
• mtDNA tests stand for mitochondrial DNA tests. Unlike autosomal DNA, it takes all its information from the maternal side of one’s DNA. Thus, these tests can be used to trace one’s biological mother, grandmother, and so on. These tests do not provide as much information as autosomal DNA tests.
• An important point to note is that mtDNA tests don’t cover your mother’s father, grandfather, or other male relatives.

What are Y-DNA tests?

• This DNA test is used for uncovering information from the chromosomes inherited from your father.
• Only men can opt for these tests. They can help one follow and locate their paternal lineage and history.
• This test is also used to determine the biological father of a child.

What steps does one need to follow to get their DNA tested?
DNA test providers have easy at-home kits which make this whole process less intimidating.

• You start by picking your provider, depending on what kind of tests they offer. You should check if they cover what you’re looking for. Once you’re done, visit their website to register your details and place an order for a DNA testing kit.
• Some providers give free DNA kits. However, for most other DNA testing kits, you need to send your samples to these providers along with your payment.
• At-home testing kits don’t need blood to test for DNA. Most of these tests use saliva.
• Some kits come with specific instructions and preferences for DNA samples, such saliva from the gums, or swabs from the insides of your cheek. In case you’re confused, you’ll find detailed information on their website.
• Once you have your samples, you need to post them to the provider. You need to be careful at this stage since there are specific regulations for sending bodily fluids through the post. Don’t forget to activate your kit and connect it to your online account. This will allow you to see your results online.
• DNA testing companies usually send the results within 4 to 8 weeks. However, some might take a longer duration. You can check your results online, or ask the company to send these results by post.

Thousands of people in the country are opting for DNA tests. Your DNA holds a lot of valuable information that has the potential to tell you a lot about who you are, where you come from, and what is the history of your biological family.

If you think that you already know everything about your family, you might still be surprised by the results of your DNA tests. Many people who have done DNA tests have found something new about themselves.

This is the best time to buy a DNA testing kit because numerous choices are available in the market. So, if you’re on the fence about getting your hands on the best DNA testing kit, here are some questions and answers that will help you understand these kits.

What exactly is DNA?
DNA is the basic code that makes up our bodies, and it actually stands for Deoxyribonucleic Acid. Think of it as a blueprint that makes up the smallest matter of all living things.

• It is ultimately four chemical bases that work together in different ways and command cells to make amino acid which changes to form proteins, and these proteins form organs, and so on until they form a whole living being.
• Like fingerprints, every individual’s DNA is unique. Although all humans share about 99% of it, it’s that final percent that makes us all look and sound different, and gives us our unique personalities.

What are the differences between autosomal DNA tests and mtDNA tests?
Autosomal DNA and mtDNA are two bands of DNA that can be used to test different aspects of one’s ancestry. Read on to know more about the differences between these DNA tests.

• Autosomal DNA tests are the best DNA tests available. These tests cover both the sides of one’s family and can be used to uncover one’s race, heritage, and region of origin.
• mtDNA tests stand for mitochondrial DNA tests. Unlike autosomal DNA, it takes all its information from the maternal side of one’s DNA. Thus, these tests can be used to trace one’s biological mother, grandmother, and so on. These tests do not provide as much information as autosomal DNA tests.
• An important point to note is that mtDNA tests don’t cover your mother’s father, grandfather, or other male relatives.

What are Y-DNA tests?

• This DNA test is used for uncovering information from the chromosomes inherited from your father.
• Only men can opt for these tests. They can help one follow and locate their paternal lineage and history.
• This test is also used to determine the biological father of a child.

What steps does one need to follow to get their DNA tested?
DNA test providers have easy at-home kits which make this whole process less intimidating.

• You start by picking your provider, depending on what kind of tests they offer. You should check if they cover what you’re looking for. Once you’re done, visit their website to register your details and place an order for a DNA testing kit.
• Some providers give free DNA kits. However, for most other DNA testing kits, you need to send your samples to these providers along with your payment.
• At-home testing kits don’t need blood to test for DNA. Most of these tests use saliva.
• Some kits come with specific instructions and preferences for DNA samples, such saliva from the gums, or swabs from the insides of your cheek. In case you’re confused, you’ll find detailed information on their website.
• Once you have your samples, you need to post them to the provider. You need to be careful at this stage since there are specific regulations for sending bodily fluids through the post. Don’t forget to activate your kit and connect it to your online account. This will allow you to see your results online.
• DNA testing companies usually send the results within 4 to 8 weeks. However, some might take a longer duration. You can check your results online, or ask the company to send these results by post.