If you have taken your time to read up on DNA tests, you have probably come across these terms peace of mind DNA tests and court-admissible or legal DNA tests. The tests associated with these terms can mean the same thing, however, their purposes differ significantly. 

Considering that there are multiple reasons for doing a DNA test, you may be conducting a peace of mind DNA test or a Legal one. In this blog, we will share the differences between the two, the processes involved, and some fun facts about DNA tests.

What Is the Peace Of Mind DNA Test? 

As the name implies, peace of mind DNA tests are done to put your mind at ease. It is done when DNA tests are carried out solely for satisfying curiosity or for other personal uses.

This test can be done in the comfort of your home with a DNA test kit. These kits can be purchased at our laboratory or delivered to your doorstep. They contain full instructions on how to collect samples through cheek swabs from participants involved. 

The samples can then be sent to our laboratory while we receive, amplify and analyse your samples to produce fast, accurate, and reliable results. The results are mailed to you or a designated representative. The results are not obtainable in a court of law or for any legal purpose.

What Is a Legal DNA Test?

Legal DNA tests or court-admissible DNA tests are required when one wants to back all claims legally. They are commonly used to prove a relationship or paternity in a court of law, in child custody cases, immigration, adoption, inheritance, child support, or for an official change of name on the birth certificate of a person. 

With legal DNA tests, strict chain of custody conditions should be followed. This will involve the presence of approved sample collectors, usually a nurse or a medical professional.

Peace Of Mind DNA Test VS Legal DNA Test?

Peace of mind and legal DNA tests are analysed in the same way. They are both used for paternity tests, maternity tests, sibling tests, twin (zygosity) tests, grandparent tests, aunt and uncle tests, Y chromosome tests and single profile DNA tests, etc. 

However, the major difference between the two is how the samples are collected. Legal DNA test samples are collected following a strict chain of custody condition, while peace of mind DNA tests are not.

DNA Testing Process Step-by-Step 

The process of DNA tests is majorly the same, regardless of the type of test. It follows five (5) steps; namely:

Step 1 – Collection

This is the process of collecting samples from the individual on whom the test is being carried out. DNA test Samples can be collected from cheek swabs, teeth, hair, bones, fingerprints, etc.

Step 2 – Extraction

The next step is the beginning of the DNA test. Here, the nucleus is broken open and the DNA molecules are released into a solution.

Step 3 – Quantitation

The step is where the quality and quantity of DNA in a sample are measured and assessed. 

Step 4- Amplification

The amplification step is done to make copies of a DNA sequence. This is important in forensic DNA testing. 

Step 5 – Capillary Electrophoresis

The last and final stage is done to distinguish between the various molecules present in the DNA. It is done through a process called capillary electrophoresis.

So, if you wish to do the peace of mind or legal DNA Test, feel free to contact us at Lynx DNA Laboratory now for a quick test with almost 100% accuracy of your test results guaranteed.

Why not give us a call immediately at +2349010001992 or +2349010001990

Email: – info@lynxlaboratories.com.ng 

Office Address –  9B, James oluleye Crescent, Off Adeniyi Jones, Ikeja, Lagos, Nigeria.

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