DNA Profiling

What is DNA Profiling?

It is a report card on your blood. The DNA profile looks at various significant markers and keeps track of them. Once the analysis is complete you have one person's DNA report card or DNA profile. The profile focuses on micro satellites and other regions most often seen in relationship and human identity studies. Remember that most all of our DNA is identical to any other person. The DNA profile looks for the small differences between individuals.

This field is highly subsidized and most commonly used by governmental agencies. However, it does exist in the consumer market as well. For those individuals who would like to be thorough and have all their information, you can send off for a DNA profiling kit. The services range from blood preservation, testing services for paternity, and even a DNA ID card from certain providers. This service is excellent for the health sector. It makes it easy in case of an emergency, no testing required, your blood type is already determined. Or if you need to donate blood they can just review your DNA ID card and profile and determined if it is suitable.

In the United Kingdom there is a DNA database available to all agencies for DNA matching. Most DNA profiling falls under two categories - health sector or law enforcement. But eventually it will be propelled in the consumer market, further assisting those previously mentioned groups while making more people aware of their individual DNA.

If you would like to learn more about how DNA profiles are being used to help government agencies all across the world you can visit either Interpol or FBI official websites and simply type in DNA profile in their respective search engines. It usually falls under the category of Forensics in this area. To learn more about the importance of the impact of human genetics and personal DNA profiling visit agencies like the Red Cross and other International Medical Disaster organizations.

Why Should I get a DNA Profile?

There are many ways in which a DNA profile can help you. First, in claims of paternity, especially in the event of a family estate where the relationship to the deceased is an issue, the profiling process can establish presence or absence of the required biological relationship. DNA profiles can also assist in missing persons cases, to provide identification, avoid improper blood at hospitals, etc. The cost to a consumer is around $200-$300 depending on the type of procedure selected. Make sure that the lab you choose follows proper chain of custody rules in the event you need the profile for a legal proceeding.