Christmas is round the corner – Need ideas for the perfect gift?
Posted on | December 18, 2012 | Comments Off
Finding the right present can be very challenging, especially when your loved one seems to have it all! easyDNA has ideal solutions for fun, memorable and completely unique gifts. Did you know that your DNA holds a vast wealth of knowledge that can be used to discover more about your past or even your future? Here are some great ideas that make wonderful Christmas or Birthday presents:
- For the History Lover: Ancestry DNA testing allows you to discover your bloodline history dating back thousands of years! With just a simple mouth swab, your DNA profile is used to make connections with known historic populations and various anthropological regions around the globe. Tap into fascinating information and learn more about your ancestors’ movements throughout the ages and which haplogroup they belonged to. Three ancestry services available: Ancestral Origins, Maternal Lineage or Paternal Lineage.
- For the Art Buff: Imagine a custom made design created using your very own genetic code! Using the DNA profile extracted from an oral swab sample a personalised DNA art piece is created, customisable by colour, media and size. It doesn’t get any better than this!
- For the health conscious: easyDNA’s Genetic Predisposition Health test for disease. This innovative test allows the participant to take control of their health by discovering their genetic risk towards over 25 different conditions and diseases. By finding out which disease/s you are at a high risk towards developing, you can take steps such as improved health and lifestyle choices, implementing an exercise plan, as well as more regular health screening for certain conditions.
Giving one of these gifts is easy, all you need to do is contact easyDNA, place your order and a DNA home testing kit will be sent directly to the recipient. Make this Christmas gift a truly imaginative one by giving your loved one the gift of knowledge.
easyDNA is now on Facebook
Posted on | July 20, 2012 | Comments Off
easyDNA is an international supplier of DNA testing services. After 8 years of experience in this field, easyDNA is pleased to announce it has launched its own Facebook page where clients can social network and interact. Facebook is the biggest social networking site with over 600 million users world-wide and a lot of companies are getting closer to our customer base thanks to this phenomenon- easyDNA could not miss this opportunity.
To visit easyDNA’s Facebook page, visit the following link:
http://www.facebook.com/easyDNAUK
To Facebook is fun. Feel free to browse and search our Facebook page, also leave a comment or question on our wall- we will be keen to answer or to simply read your comments. By the way, don’t forget to send us a Friend Request- we will definitely be happy to accept it.
Our Facebook page is made for clients, with their needs in mind- we want you to find all the information you need about DNA tests- if you cannot find it, then ask us. Any feedback you have will be greatly appreciated.
Thanks to our Facebook page, easyDNA can build long term relationships with our client base or customers – both past and future. Discussions and queries can be tackled via the company’s Facebook page.
About us
easyDNA offers a whole range of DNA tests. Amongst the tests offered is the paternity DNA test for both legal and peace of mind purposes. The legal test can be presented in court in cases where visitation disputes, custody and such matters are involved; peace of mind or at home paternity testing can be used to simply clear any doubts one may have regarding the issue of paternity.
The latest test by easyDNA UK is the non invasive prenatal paternity test. This test is done using maternal blood. After many years of research scientists have managed to isolate fetal DNA in the maternal blood. This means that there is no longer need for amniocentesis or chorionic villus sampling. The test can moreover, be done very early in pregnancy – at just 10 weeks. Visit our facebook page to learn more about this test.
All DNA testing services offered by easyDNA are ISO 17025 accredited. This means that their laboratories are fully competent and equipped to carry out these types of tests. Don’t forget to check out easyDNA’s Facebook page for more about DNA testing.
Paternity testing using HLA typing and PCR (Polymerase chain reaction)
Posted on | March 1, 2012 | 2 Comments
The 1970s brought on HLA typing, which does not require DNA and was used for paternity testing. Later PCR (polymerase chain reaction) was developed. This test eliminated 80% of the male population but cannot distinguish between related alleged fathers.
One of the Steps involved in DNA Sequencing
HLA (Human Leukocyte Antigen) is a protein found in white blood cells and any individual has quite a unique set of HLA proteins inherited from their parents.
This testing had drawbacks: very large amounts of blood were needed meaning that babies had to be over 6 months old to be tested.
Using DNA to establish paternity was logically only possible after the discovery of the structure of DNA in the 1950s.
It was not however, until the 1980s that DNA was used to establish paternity.
In the 1980s DNA testing became available with the possibility of including a father as the biological dad with an accuracy of 80% or sometimes even 90%. The procedure is known as RFLP (restriction fragment Length polymorphism). The testing required blood samples but an issue was that considerably large DNA samples were needed for scientists to work with. The processing time was also lengthy and thus, the method has gradually become disused as a better method was invented.
DNA Paternity Testing in the 1990s
PCR (Polymerase Chain Reaction) is the method that is used nowadays for paternity DNA testing. Scientists can work with very small quantities of DNA because with PCR they are able to replicate and make thousands of copies of the DNA and thus, have lots to work with. The DNA sequencing process with this method takes only around 2 hours. The process involves a reaction in which DNA is heated to 94 Celsius. An enzyme is then used (DNA polymerase) to assist in the replication and amplification of the DNA. The enzyme reads the code and then uses it as template. This is essentially the process very simply put.
Paternity testing has become extremely accurate with PCR; the HLA has become obsolete.
Why must Justin Bieber take a paternity test?
Posted on | November 10, 2011 | Comments Off
The Bieber-Yeater menagerie
Mariah Yeater, the lady who asserted that Justin Bieber is the father of her four-month-old son, Tristyn, has proclaimed that, following her attendance at one of the teen sensation’s concerts in October 2010, they locked eyes and experienced instant chemistry following which, he whisked her away into a bathroom. At this point, she claims that, the rendezvous aggravated into an aggressive, unprotected sexual encounter. She further asserted that it had been Bieber’s ‘first time’, having said so himself.
Justin Bieber Bio Sketch
Justin Bieber is a Canadian-born song writer. His carrier began with a home made video which got upload on YouTube and went viral. He was then spotted by Scooter Braun and brought to the lime light after having seen his YouTube Video. Bieber was until then, just a local celebrity, performing at his school. The singer was then flown to Atlanta where he created and released his first single, One Time – since then he has constantly topped the charts and is one of the leading mainstream pop singers.
Justin Bieber to take a paternity test
The allegations made by Yeater against Justin Bieber have attracted the ire of his fans from around the world, as Beliebers – as they call themselves, have expressed shock and made her the target of death threats. Amidst all the tabloid drama, Justin Bieber, according to his representatives, has agreed to take a Paternity Test, which is allegedly scheduled to be on December 15, as per all legal requirements. The pop star’s representatives have made it clear that, in case the paternity test returns with negative results, his party would sue Yeater, most likely on the grounds of defamation.
What is a Paternity Test and why must Bieber take one?
However, this announcement has many people wondering about this DNA paternity test is that Justin Bieber is going to take. To clarify, a DNA paternity test is a parental testing procedure that helps establish whether a male entity is the biological father of a child or not. It consists of a DNA analysis that involves genetic fingerprinting-a method that is known to be the most accurate and effective till date, and is therefore adopted to fulfill legal requirements in cases of child custody disputes, adoption rights, paternity suits, and the likes. Bieber, being targeted by a paternity suit, is therefore required to take a Paternity Test to prove or disprove the allegations.
How is a parent-child relationship determined with the given results of a paternity test?
The DNA paternity test conducted will be carried out by getting hold of a buccal swab of both individuals. This is a non-invasive way of getting a person’s DNA sample by lightly scraping the inside of his or her cheek. This can be done in case a court order for the same has been obtained. In its absence, DNA profiles can be collected by getting blood or semen samples. Once these samples have been obtained, a DNA analysis is carried out by comparing them to check if there exists a biological parent-child relationship.
How is this comparison done?
A child’s 46 chromosomes are derived on his conception from his parents-23 chromosomes from his mother’s egg and father’s sperm each. These chromosome patterns form every cell in the child’s body. Using splicing techniques, the DNA testing is carried out and these chromosome patterns are matched in the two samples. In case the test yields positive, then the results will be higher than 99.9%. This confirms the DNA paternity test and also that the said two individuals share a parent-child relationship. If not, the test will return a 0% result.
So, all you Beliebers out there, keep your fingers crossed and hope that the paternity test returns a 0% result to prove his innocence!
For more information on celebrity DNA tests visit our Blog on Paternity testing
Pregnancy DNA Test: Who is the father?
Posted on | October 18, 2011 | 2 Comments
A pregnancy DNA test can determine who the father of the unborn baby is. The test can only be conducted after a number of weeks of pregnancy so if a pregnancy test has just confirmed you are pregnant (by detecting the presence of the pregnancy hormone, human chorionic gonadotropin, HCG) you have enough time to decide.
Besides considering the test during pregnancy, you should consider the post natal paternity test- in this latter case, the test is done after the birth of the child but can be done as early as the moment of birth. Of course, this option might not be a viable option for some.
Pregnancy DNA test: How is the sample Collected?
The baby DNA can be extracted in a number of way- 3 in fact. The methods for prenatal paternity testing can either be invasive or non invasive – these two terms indicate whether the test carries risks for the mother and the child she is carrying or if it is risk free. Amongst the invasive sampling methods used are Chorionic Villus sampling and amniocentesis. Both these enable collection of fetal DNA by entering the womb- in the former case, a catheter is used which is inserted through the vagina and into the womb to collect the chorionic villi. In the case of an amnio, as it is sometimes abbreviated, a needle is inserted through the abdomen and guided by an ultrasound; the OBGYN will then withdraw an amount of amniotic fluid.
Should I do a Non Invasive Pregnancy DNA Test?
The answer would be Yes. This because both CVS and Amniocentesis have some disadvantages to them:
• Both amniocentesis and CVS are not entirely safe or risk free- imagine the needle comes into contact with the babe? Its arms and legs might be damaged! If too much stress is caused, the baby might even be miscarried- it must be said, that nowadays chances of these are very small- but speak to your GP about the risks.
• You need the assistance of an OBGYN- these tests are medical investigations. They are however, very important to ensure healthy fetal development.
A non invasive test has no risks because all it necessitates is blood. Yes, you as the expectant mother can go to a nurse and ask him or to withdraw a vial of blood for you. You can then send this off for laboratory analysis. From the sample of the mother, the Fetal DNA fragments can isolated and scientists can map the genetic loci of the unborn baby. A Non invasive pregnancy DNA test should be an option well worth considering.
The NHS is trying to develop a scheme whereby expectant mother’s get tested for fetal health by taking blood samples and hence, doing away with the need to undergo invasive tests that pose risks for the baby.
Paternity testing after Birth
Testing during pregnancy is indeed costly which ever type of test you opt for: amniocentesis, CVS or non invasive prenatal test. You of course have the option of carrying out the test after the baby is born. Paternity testing after the birth of the baby is far easier as sampling can be done using oral swabs rubbed inside the mouth of the baby for 10 seconds- a procedure which is totally safe and painless.
There of of course, scenarios where prenatal testing for paternity is a must and waiting till the birth of the baby is not an option. In this case, non invasive testing would be the better (and safer) option.
Baby Gender Testing: Ways of Determining the Sex of your Baby
Posted on | October 13, 2011 | Comments Off
Baby gender testing uses a process known as Polymerase chain reaction to analyze the fetal DNA in the maternal urine. This highly scientific technique for DNA analysis provides highly accurate results in determining the baby gender early in pregnancy. Essentially, what DNA analysts will do is look for male or female DNA, or rather, Y chromosome specific markers or X chromosome specific markers (Y chromosome markers indicate you are expecting a boy and X chromosome markers indicate you are expecting a girl).
At home Gender tests: Are they reliable?
There are many at home baby gender tests. If you type a search online the most common ones include the Drano test and the Cabbage test. The Drano test is carried out by mixing a maternal urine sample with Drano (A brand of drain cleaner). The colour change of the resulting solution indicates whether you are carrying a baby boy or baby girl. The Cabbage test involves placing finely chopped cabbage into boiling water, then straining the liquid from the cabbage and mixing a an equal portion of the liquid with a portion of the expectant mother’s urine. The resulting colour changes indicate whether you are going to have a baby boy or baby girl. Unfortunately, these tests are not reliable and there is no scientific turth behind them.
Will the ultrasound still be necessary?
Once you have determined the sex of your baby with a baby gender DNA test then ultrasonography should not be necessary for this particular purpose. However, the purposes of an ultrasound are many and it is of course, an integral part of the pregnancy monitoring and management process. An ultrasound will easily determine the sex of your child but it is not recommended to undergo ultrasonography just for this.
The use of ultrasound at various stages of the pregnancy clearly remains critical. Below are some of the additional functions of an ultrasound:
- It can help establish whether the fetus is actually alive
- In early pregnancy to mid pregnancy internal bleeding can be determined with an ultrasound.
- To estimate the age and size of the fetus and in later stages, even the sex of the child.
- To know if twins are being expected or if there are multiple pregnancies.
- Ultrasounds can help in knowing whether the unborn child has any abnormalities such as Down’s syndrome. Any birth defects suggested at this point, can be confirmed with further invasive testing such as amniocentesis and chorionic villus sampling (CVS) – these procedures are also commonly used for prenatal paternity testing.
- Knowing the condition of the fetus
The FDA does not recommend using ultrasounds specifically to find out baby gender.
Can I rely on a fetal heart rate test to know the sex?
In the past it was believed that fetal heart rate was a good way of knowing the sex of the child. This method has today fallen into the “old wives’ tale” category and has fallen into disuse as it is highly questionable. A heart rate above 140 beats per minute mean you were expected a girl. If the heart rate was below 140 beats per minute, this meant you were expecting a boy. Studies have been carried out and have concluded the same thing: heart rate has nothing to do with the baby’s sex. Sometimes a girl’s heart rate may be higher and sometimes a boy’s heart rate may be higher- it is just down to chance and there is not scientific explanation for why this happens. Basically, for baby gender testing you could either do a DNA test or else wait until a routine ultrasound usually taken after the 16th week of pregnancy.
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