DNA testing works by taking a reference sample

DNA testing works by taking a reference sample

Genetic fingerprinting, also known as DNA typing, DNA testing or DNA profiling, is the process used by forensic scientists to help identify individuals based on their individual DNA profiles. A DNA profile is the encrypted set of numbers which refers to an individual's genetic make-up. This can then be used to identify a person. DNA tests are commonly confused with full genome sequencing, which is a process used to determine the total DNA sequence of the genome of an organism at one time. A DNA test, however, is often taken to determine biological familial links and to provide evidence for crimes.

99.9% of human DNA sequences are a match in every person, however there is sufficient DNA available to be able to tell one individual from another. DNA tests use repeat sequences which vary highly, known as variable number tandem repeats, or VNTR. The loci of VNTRs are very much alike between persons who are closely related to one another, but unrelated humans are not likely to have the same VNTRs, as the loci are highly variable.

Sir Alec Jeffreys was the founder of the DNA testing technique at the University of Leicester in 1984. This technique now forms the basis for several national DNA databases. Dr. Jeffrey also pioneered the genetic fingerprinting technique, which became commercially available in 1987 when chemical company ICI opened a centre for blood testing.

DNA testing works by taking a reference sample, usually a buccal or cheek swab from an individual. This removes enough cheek cells from the person to be used for lab analysis. Other samples can also be used for the purposes of a DNA test such as blood, semen, saliva or any other tissue or fluid obtained from items such as hairbrushes or razors.

In some cases, where DNA testing has been used for the purposes of solving crimes, criminals have been known to plant fake DNA samples by fabricating DNA such as hair or blood and planting it at the crime scene. However, British experts have stated that this method of covering up a crime, while scientifically possible, is unlikely to be carried out by criminals, as it would require expensive equipment, a full molecular laboratory and an experienced lab technician or biology scientist.

A DNA test can also be used to determine relations between one person and another, for instance to determine the biological parent of a child, and some DNA tests can trace family lineage as far back as thousands of years ago. This form of genealogical DNA testing can produce a variety of interesting findings for individuals which allows them to build up a more complex family tree than would be possible by looking at records alone.

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