The Importance of Accurate and Convenient DNA Testing for Answering Questions About Your Birth
If you or a loved one has uncertainty about your biological relationships, you're not alone. Nearly every day, there's a new story of someone who has taken a familial DNA test and received shocking results.
Just recently, a 77-year-old Delaware County man who believed he was an only child took a DNA test and discovered that he was actually one of 13 children. He had been unaware that he was adopted as an infant by the only parents he had ever known.
Another woman, who identified herself as "Jessica," says that there was something about her mother's story regarding her birth that didn't quite add up, leading her to suspect she was adopted. This uncertainty proved to be founded when DNA testing revealed that there was no chance of her being her parents' biological child. When asked about the experience, she says she has "a lot of mixed emotions about the people involved, but it's been worth it for the overall sense of clarity."
In addition to these surprise results, many individuals who know they've been adopted use DNA testing to search for their biological parents. Others seek DNA tests to answer common questions about their family relationships. Often, the results have been a long time coming.
Why Do People Wait So Long?
Research conducted by Health Street found that a shocking 56% of Americans have either already taken a DNA test or are considering DNA testing because they have doubts about the full truth surrounding their relationship to their immediate family. Even more surprising is the amount of time people wait to put those doubts to rest.
After surveying 870 respondents from New York and Texas, Health Street found that:
The reason was pretty much universal. Almost all of those who had not yet taken a familial DNA test stated that they were concerned about what the test may reveal and the impact the results might have on their relationships.
Despite the concern, once the results came back, most people considered it a positive experience. When asked how grateful they felt to have their uncertainly resolved, on a scale of 1 to 10:
The overall average satisfaction level was 7.4, with many respondents feeling relieved to have finally had their questions resolved.
The Importance of Accurate and Convenient DNA Testing
Since unexpected DNA test results can have an enormous lifelong impact, it's critical to feel confident in the process.
What is the accuracy of DNA testing? When performed correctly, DNA tests can prove that a man is not an individual's biological father with up to 99.9% accuracy. If needed for legal purposes, DNA testing must take place in a medical setting.
Seeking a test from a licensed facility can provide everyone involved with important peace of mind.
Convenience is also a key factor, as this can remove a barrier to entry for some who would otherwise continue to suffer from the emotional unrest and confusion that often stems from ongoing uncertainty. Not only can DNA testing finally answer your burning questions, but the survey results cited above show that it can also lead to significant satisfaction despite the initial trepidation.
Health Street offers a wide range of DNA tests that can be performed in our licensed testing facilities or from the convenience of your home. Our cost-effective DNA testing options are budget-friendly while still ensuring the accuracy of your results. We offer paternity testing, grandparent testing, sibling testing, safe prenatal DNA testing, and more. Contact us today to get started.
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