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Other DNA Testing FAQs

1. What is DNA banking?
2. What is DNA profiling?
3. Can a DNA test show whether twins are fraternal or identical?
4. Can a DNA test help me identify biological relatives?
5. Do you have genealogy testing services?
6. How do you work with adoptees to reunite them with biological relatives?

1. What is DNA banking?
   DNA banking is a service DDC offers for clients who want to have a sample of their DNA stored in a secure, environmentally controlled facility. Clients often ask us to store their or their children’s DNA samples for the following reasons:

   	For use in future paternity tests should parties contest or make claims on their estate
   	To help solve cases of missing, abducted, or runaway children
   	To serve as reference DNA in the event that remains need to be identified; e.g., for those in high-risk situations such as the military
   	For future genetic tests that will help the next generations make decisions about health and lifestyle

   
   When we bank your DNA, you will receive a certification verifying storage of your DNA for 15 years. The certificate also lists persons you authorize to access your sample in the event that it is needed.



2. What is DNA profiling?
   A DNA profile is a permanent record of your genetic identity. In our DNA profiling service, we take a sample of your DNA and test 16 locations on the DNA. In these locations are DNA markers—short DNA sequences that are useful for human identification. For each location, there are two copies—one inherited from the mother and one inherited from the father. The test reports the sizes of the DNA markers on each location. Every person inherits a unique combination of genetic markers from the biological parents; thus the DNA profile can serve as a permanent biological record of identity. (Note: Identical twins will have the same DNA profile.)

   Clients choose to have a record of their or their children’s DNA profile for different reasons:

   	The data could be used in future paternity tests should parties contest or make claims on their estate
   	To help solve cases of missing, abducted, or runaway children
   	To serve as reference in the event that remains need to be identified; e.g., for those in high-risk situations such as the military

   
   Clients receive a copy of their DNA profile for their records. Clients who order a DNA profile may also choose to avail of our complimentary DNA banking service, in which we will store their DNA samples for 15 years at a secure, environmentally controlled facility.
   
   

3. Can a DNA test show whether twins are fraternal or identical?
   Yes. Only a DNA test can definitively show whether twins are fraternal or identical. This DNA test is called twin zygosity. We take DNA samples from the twins and test 16 locations on the DNA to create a DNA profile for each sibling. Identical twins will have exactly the same DNA profile.

4. Can a DNA test help me identify biological relatives?
   Yes. DDC offers several DNA tests depending on the relationship being tested and the family members who are available for testing: grandparentage, siblingship, genetic reconstruction, Y-STR testing, and mitochondrial DNA testing. Different techniques and statistical calculations are used to calculate the probability of a biological relationship. For more information, please visit the DNA Testing Services section of our website.

5. Do you have genealogy testing services?
   DDC performs mtDNA testing and Y-STR testing to confirm whether two or more individuals are related through a maternal (mtDNA) or paternal (Y-STR) line. Mitochondrial DNA, used in mtDNA testing, is passed from mother to child relatively unchanged through many generations. The Y chromosome is similarly passed from father to son. Y-STR testing examines several locations on the Y chromosome, producing a Y chromosome profile. Because only males have the Y chromosome, females cannot participate in a Y-STR test. On the other hand, both males and females may participate in an mtDNA test.

6. How do you work with adoptees to reunite them with biological relatives?
   DDC provides DNA tests to private clients as well as national organizations to confirm the biological relationship between an adoptee and a possible relative. Private clients who have identified a possible relative may contact us directly for a confirmatory DNA test.