DNA tests are now crucial for learning about family connections, heritage, and health. If you’re looking for answers for yourself, legal situations, or health concerns, picking the right test is key. Because so many options exist, it can be confusing to know which one to choose. This guide simplifies the process, explaining the different types of DNA tests so you can make an informed decision.
Common reasons for DNA testing
People use DNA tests for many reasons, from simple curiosity to serious legal needs. Here are some common motivations behind DNA testing:
Verifying biological relationships
DNA testing is a completely accurate and dependable method for confirming biological family relationships. Popular options include tests for paternity, maternity, siblings, and aunts/uncles. These tests can offer reassurance, settle disagreements, or provide clarity in personal matters.
Legal purposes
DNA tests are frequently used in legal settings to establish family relationships. This can be important in various situations, such as child custody or support cases, birth certificate corrections, immigration applications, inheritance claims, and child welfare cases.
Health insights
DNA tests can provide valuable insights into your genetic predisposition towards certain health conditions.
Ancestry
Genealogy DNA tests have become increasingly popular as people seek to discover their family history and trace their ancestors’ journeys.
Knowing what you’re looking for from the test can help you decide which DNA test is best for you.
DNA tests we offer at Blueprint DNA
At Blueprint DNA, we offer a wide range of 100% accurate, reliable and affordable DNA testing services designed to meet your needs.
Relationship DNA Testing
These tests can help you verify biological relationships between family members.
- Paternity and Maternity Testing: these tests can be used to determine whether there is a biological relationship between a child and their alleged father or mother.
- Prenatal Paternity Testing: this non-invasive and 100% risk-free test is used to verify paternity before a baby is born/while the mother is still pregnant.
- Sibling Testing: our Sibling DNA Test can confirm if two or more people are full or half siblings.
- Avuncular DNA Testing: Aunt and uncle DNA tests can verify the biological connection between a niece or nephew and their potential aunt or uncle. These “avuncular” tests are often used when the biological parent is unavailable for paternity or maternity testing.
- Grandparent DNA Testing: A Grandparent DNA Test is used to confirm a biological relationship between a grandchild and their potential grandparent. As with aunt/uncle DNA tests, these tests are often used to verify paternity or maternity where the biological mother/father is unavailable for testing.
- Baby Gender Test: this test can be used to find out the sex of a baby from as early as 6 weeks into pregnancy. As with our Prenatal Paternity Test, it is 100% safe and risk-free for mother and baby.
- Twin DNA Testing: A twin DNA test, also known as a zygosity test, determines if twins are identical, fraternal, or possibly semi-identical. This test isn’t just for twins; it can also be used for up to five siblings born from the same pregnancy.
- Y Chromosome Testing: A Y-DNA test confirms a biological relationship between males on their father’s side. While it can establish that two men share a paternal line, it doesn’t specify the exact nature of the relationship (like father/son or grandfather/grandson). This is because the Y chromosome is inherited directly from father to son.
- Toothbrush and Nail DNA Testing: These tests offer a different way to collect DNA for relationship testing, particularly when discretion is needed or a cheek swab isn’t possible. For instance, they can be helpful when testing a minor where a cheek swab might raise uncomfortable questions, or when testing someone who has died (using nail clippings).
Ancestry Testing
We provide three different ancestry DNA tests to meet your specific needs.
- DNA Origins Ancestry Test: this test can tell you where your ancestors are likely to have originated from.
- Paternal Lineage Ancestry Test: this test can help you find out more about your ancient paternal heritage (father’s side).
- Maternal Lineage Ancestry Test: this test looks at your mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) to reveal your ancient maternal heritage (mother’s side).
How to choose the right DNA test
Choosing the correct DNA test depends on what you want to learn and your individual situation. Here are some key factors to consider before buying a DNA test;
Purpose
- Personal knowledge: For personal peace of mind, our home DNA tests will work. Just order a kit online, reach out to our office for guidance on how to collect your sample, and send it back to our lab for analysis.
- Legal Matters: For legal purposes, you’ll need our witnessed collection test. This requires samples to be collected following a strict chain of custody process, ensuring the results are accepted in court.
Reputation of the testing company
Choosing a reliable DNA testing company can be tough with so many choices. To find a trustworthy provider that guarantees accurate results, research customer reviews and testimonials, and check the company’s accreditations.
Blueprint DNA Paternity & DNA Testing Organization is a DNA laboratory that provides access to AABB-accredited and ISO 17025, SCC and NATA genetic testing laboratory specializing in DNA & relationship across Ghana & Overseas.
Testing accuracy
The accuracy of a DNA test is often reflected in the number of DNA markers analyzed and the company’s reputation.
Our DNA tests can analyse up to 45 DNA markers, allowing for even more genetic material to be analysed, strengthening the results of the test. This is particularly important for more complicated relationship tests (like sibling, grandparent, aunt, or uncle tests). These tests, where DNA isn’t directly inherited, are inherently less likely to provide a conclusive result compared to simpler paternity or maternity tests.
Privacy and confidentiality
Because DNA testing deals with private information, it’s crucial to select a provider that prioritizes data security.
We ensure strict confidentiality throughout the entire process, keeping all communication completely private.
Cost
While budget is a factor, it’s also important to consider what a DNA test price includes. Blueprint DNA strives to offer affordable testing options without sacrificing accuracy or quality.
Speed of results
We understand that getting a DNA test can be an emotional experience. That’s why we prioritize providing results quickly, delivering yours within 8-10 business days so you can get the answers you need.
How to access our service
- Contact our hotline for enquiry & consultation (+233 54 711 3957)
- Book an appointment for your nearest sample collection office or Order for a self-service home collection kit.
- Present participants to collection center on test day with photo ID card.
- Buccal or cheek swab sample will be taken for DNA extraction.
- Client should not drink eat or smoke 30 minutes before test. PS- Blood sample is taken for pregnancy paternity test
- Results are sent via email or whatsapp in 8 to 10 working days. Express options are available