An Introduction to DNA Testing
Since scientists developed sophisticated ways of analysing DNA information, it has been possible to trace samples of DNA to individuals.
DNA evidence is presented on the basis that matches between a test sample and existing sample are now so precise that, according to statistical probability, only one person can be a positive match to the sample.
This has had obvious practical benefits for criminal investigations – any given episode of CSI, NCIS or any other modern police drama is based around the discovery and analysis of DNA evidence.
DNA testing also has practical applications in genealogy, for people wishing to trace their family history or for determining paternity.
Until relatively recently, the costs of precisely analysing DNA samples prevented the development of affordable and reliable home DNA test kits. However, the increase in the number of companies offering DNA test kits has caused prices to fall and encouraged additional development and research into home testing methods.
DNA testing kits have become an important tool in proving family links, particularly when records and paperwork are incomplete or unavailable.