A Look at DNA Testing Costs
Choosing the ideal DNA test should no longer be a problem with the help of plethora of options that different labs provide under the category of cheap DNA test. The need for DNA testing is extremely common, especially in the US. Nowadays people from all sections of the society get these tests done for a number of reasons. Therefore, the leading laboratories felt the need to make these tests more pocket-friendly in order to cater to even the people belonging to the bottom of pile of the society.
There are a variety of tests available at various price points now due to the huge demand for these tests and the competitive market. But this might also lead to some amount of confusion among those who are looking for an easy and economic way out regarding DNA testing.
While analyzing the DNA testing costs, one must keep in mind that the cost of the test is directly proportional to the quality of and technology being used for the test. The varying nature of cost is primarily because of the quality of the test kit used. It is this factor which changes the cost from $400, $300 or $200 to the cheapest at $89. Now let us look at a few factors that play pivotal role in cheap DNA test offering.
The number of loci taken into account
The quality of the test depends upon this factor. Generally a total of 16 loci are tested. However, FBI follows a specific 13 loci test for forensic investigations, which is known as CODIS (Combined DNA Index System). These tests are of the highest quality as they help in determining paternity with utmost precision.
The number of members involved
The number of people undergoing the test also affects the ultimate cost of the test. More the number of people involved in the process, the more will be the cost. More members’ involvement will require more biological samples, sample collections, testing kits, specialists and other related resources, which would eventually moves the costs upward. However, as more people are using the service, following the law of averaging, the overhead costs have come down and hence the labs can offer cheap DNA test.
Time for the results to come in
A DNA test can take some time, generally 5-10 days, depending on complexity. But the option for faster result is also available and comes at an extra cost. A DNA test result can be obtained within 24 to 48 hours from certain places but this will cost more. However, with PCR technology a low cost DNA test service is being provided by the labs, in shortest possible time span.
Country where the test is been done
The country you belong to or rather where the test is being conducted also makes a difference in the cost. In a country where these DNA tests are not common and not much demanded for, these tests will be expensive. But in a country, like USA, where these tests are regularly used, the tests are cost effective so you can easily opt for cheap DNA test.
Type of the DNA test
Normally the lowest cost form of DNA test is the paternity test. Other DNA tests like sibling tests etc. are more expensive as they involve more complicated procedure than the normal paternity test which just involves the testing of an oral swab.
Thus with the information provided, choosing the right kind of DNA test should no longer be tough for you.
Related articles
- How does a DNA test help after one year of a rape (wiki.answers.com)
- Family Finder DNA Its so Easy a 5th Grader Could Do it (genealogydna.com)
- Kits for DNA Testing (dnakits.org)
Tagged as: DNA · DNA Profiling · FamilyTreeDNA · Forensic Science · Genealogy · Mitochondrial DNA · Science in Society · United States
