Because of competition, DNA testing costs are coming down. This is now a proven scientific field of study that has many uses. The most frequent use of this technology is in criminal trials to prove the innocence or guilt of a defendant.

These testing techniques and results are nearly fool proof. The reason it works so well is because each of us are different individuals. The difference is far more than just skin deep, it goes down to the molecular level, or DNA.

When looking at having your DNA tested, the purpose or reason for the test will influence the overall cost. The more expensive testing results are used for legal purposes like criminal cases and parenting and custody cases. The added expenses are for the extra effort and time for the chain of custody requirements. The cost here can be as low as $500 and in upwards of thousands of dollars.

Because of all the publicity from the DNA being talked about as evidence, many people are looking into the other positive features of having their genes tested. This includes people looking for links to their ancestry or knowing about what genetic disease might be locked up in their DNA.

The common sampling technique is like the one used by Ancestry.com, this is called the cheek swab. This sample is then tested by their lab and results will be presented to you for $99. This is mainly used to trace your genealogy.

If genealogy is just part of the reason for testing along with knowing what genetic disease might be locked up inside of you, then the services at 23andme.com may be more useful. They do offer the genealogy testing for $399 and the medical testing for disease for $429. The best value is to have all the testing done which includes 12 different DNA tests for $499.

Familytreena.com gives their clients the choice of individual testing they desire. The lowest cost tests are the X-STR Markers Panel 1 for sibling identification and mtDNA for female line testing for only $99. The most expensive is the comprehensive ancestral testing called the SuperDNA test for $557.

The final DNA testing costs will be determined by the intended purpose of the results. Decide what you actually need before you decide to limit your costs.

The cost of DNA testing can be as low as $99 at places like Ancestry.com. The purpose of this cheek swab test is to help people identify people in their family tree and locate other people that have the same genetic makeup.

Both the mtDNA and Y-chromosome can be tested to identify both sets of branches on your family tree.  This is a site that requires a membership to take full advantage of all of their resources. Once testing is completed they show you the matches that are located in their data base which currently number over 11 million.

DNA Heritage is another online genealogy site that can help anyone find who they are related to through DNA testing. The lab at DNA Heritage is ISO17025 accredited where the testing is conducted. It is located in the state of Utah. For added insurance, each sample is tested in duplicate to ensure accuracy. The testing done encompasses 3 separate groups, the Surname DNA, Paternal Roots, and Maternal Roots.

The Surname DNA test is with the Y-chromosome STR. This test involves 43 markers for identification for a cost of $137.77. The results are available within 3 and half weeks of sampling.

The Paternal Roots testing involve the Y chromosome with SNP tests. The markers for this test are from your father’s side and include the Haplogroup R1b and its subgroups of R1b3a, R1b3b, and R1b3c. These are the markers left from Western European relatives. From South East Asia, the markers are Haplogroup O2a1, O3d1, and O3e1. The cost of this set of test is $129.00.

The Maternal Roots test involves the X chromosome or mtDNA. This is the genetic marker a mother passes down to each of her children. With this test your exact Haplogroup from your mother’s side and the distinction of HVR1, HVR2, and HVR3 can be identified. The cost of DNA testing for this specific test is $159.00.