The Role of DNA Tests in Modern Healthcare

DNA tests can reveal a lot of information about what is going on inside our bodies. It can say what diseases we may be prone to, whose genetics we have, and even allow us to get an early diagnosis on other issues. 

There is no shortage of things you can test for, as there are over 129,000 DNA tests available now in the United States. 

So, what can genetic testing do for you? This guide explains some of the things that you can get tested for. 

Paternity Test 

One of the biggest things you can do with a DNA test is to conduct a paternity test. This can be a tough subject for some because the men that have to take this test likely have at least a hint of doubt about whether a child is theirs. 

Unfortunately, this happens more than you may think. Nearly 10% of mothers are not 100% sure who the father of their baby is. If you add in potential fathers that have their own doubts, this could result in a lot of men needing to take this test. 

Luckily, this type of test is not too difficult to conduct. However, you do have to wait until after the child is born to do this type of test properly. 

In the end, you will get a definitive answer as to whether somebody is the father of a baby or not. 

Birth parents can also use this to try to reconnect with their birth child. Why would they need a test? 

Believe it or not, it is possible to lose track of your birth children if enough years go by. This is especially the case if someone took on a common last name or if the birth child was a girl that got married and changed their last name. 

Regardless, if you run into either one of the situations above, know that you can take a paternity test to get a definitive answer on blood relations. 

Carrier Testing 

This type of DNA test allows adults that want to have children to get a better idea of what type of genetics they are bringing to the table. These results can reveal risks that any potential children they have may deal with as well as let adults know what risks they may be exposed to themselves. 

What this type of test does is test for possible genetic mutations in one of your bodies. Or, it could test for things in both of your bodies that may potentially form a bad genetic mutation. 

When this happens, it can cause certain genetic disorders that could be harmful to a child that you may end up having. This test essentially lets prospective parents know what risks they may be taking on and lets them decide for themselves if they still want to go through with this process. 

Newborn Testing 

On the opposite end of the spectrum, you could have your newborn individually tested if you did not get around to doing the above test. This kind of testing has a similar purpose. You want to find out what kind of genetic disorders your newborn may be vulnerable to. 

For example, let’s say that a newborn turns out to be vulnerable to sickle cell disease. If left untreated, this type of disease can cause death in the worst cases. 

When it comes to treating any disease, it is almost always better to catch it as early as possible. This type of DNA test allows you to do just that with newborns and could potentially help counter serious diseases. 

STD Tests 

This one may not be as fun to talk about because if you test positive here, you could have a sexually transmitted disease. This usually comes from a lack of protection or regard for sexual acts. 

Luckily, there are tests you can take for this from the comfort of your own home. Once you do this, you can submit your test and wait a few days to get the results. 

These types of tests can be used for a number of diseases. You want to make sure you do not have anything serious such as chlamydia, gonorrhea, syphilis, or even HIV. Taking this test allows you to look out for your own health discretely. 

Drug Tests 

Finally, you may be in need of a drug test for a variety of reasons. You or a loved one could be suffering from a drug condition and those around you or a loved one may want proof that you are staying clean. 

This type of test allows for that with something as small as a saliva sample. Depending on what type of drugs you are testing for, you can get results back rather quickly. 

Sometimes, a saliva sample may not be good enough. Your circumstances could call for a urine sample where you have to pee inside of a cup in front of a witness. 

Either way, know that you can test for this with some sort of DNA sample. 

Learn More About DNA Tests 

These are a few different types of DNA tests that you can take. You could need a DNA test for a variety of reasons. 

You may want to make sure you or your child do not have any genetic diseases inside of your body. Or, you could be a concerned father that wants a definitive answer as to whether or not a kid is theirs. 

Either way, we have you covered. Order your DNA test here today.