An increase in stories in the media about many uses for dna tests has caught the public attention in a big way. DNA testing is big business, in many fields. Programs like CSI: Crime Scene Investigation, Heroes and even most popular soap opera’s regularly feature dna tests as the basis for their often thrilling storylines. While these television shows are informative in many cases, the public seems to believe that dna testing can fix a variety of life’s problems. But the real miracle stories are far less talked about and even more amazing than TV dramas and soap operas can convey.

So what are some of the most common misconceptions about dna testing?

1.You need a blood sample to have a dna test done

DNA testing has come a long way in the past few years. Gone are the days of waiting weeks for results after having to bring family members into the hospital or laboratory for testing. Laboratories have become so advanced that they can use swabs from the inside of the mouth, dirty ear buds and strands of hair to complete sophisticated and highly accurate dna tests. Most dna tests are done through painless swabs on the inside of the cheek.

2.Every dna test ends in bad news

In TV programs, dna tests always end in disaster. Families split up, people are sent to jail and lives are ruined. In reality, dna tests have many positive outcomes. The peace of mind that comes with a favorable dna test is immeasurable for many families. It’s often as simple as court-enforced maintenance money for a struggling single mom or as complex as finding the true birth parents of a baby that was switched at birth.

3.A dna test can determine your chances of getting certain diseases like cancer

There are some companies specialize in determining risk factors for various diseases. Depending on where you are in the world, your GP should be able to organize tests that can show your predisposition to breast cancer, diabetes, heart disease. What action you decide to take after receiving this information is entirely up to you. Some women who test positive for the breast cancer marker opt to have preventative mastectomies to eliminate their chances of suffering later in life.

4.DNA test results can clear the wrongly accused

DNA tests have been used to prove guilt or innocence in a variety of situations all over the world. If you are having dna tests done to clear your name for a crime or paternity case, you need to go through certain legitimate channels. While this might mean spending a little more money to go through the proper channels, to have official proof is invaluable.

5.It’s difficult/ expensive/ time consuming to get a dna test done

It’s not difficult at all! It is possible to get highly affordable dna tests done, from the comfort of your home. A simple Internet search reveals the most popular private companies for fast, cheap dna tests. Your family doctor can refer you to the nearest pathology testing lab capable of producing results that are admissible in court should you require it.

Dna testing has opened a Pandora’s box for all kinds of applications. And the many fantastic secrets that the Human Genome Project has promised to reveal are only slowly starting to come to light. In the future, DNA tests might be able to reveal your predisposition to mental illnesses like schizophrenia or bipolar disorder. Scientists might even be able to isolate the gene that breeds serial killers or rapists. Who knows, one day we might be able to get a full future health reading from the material contained in a simple cheek swab! The possibilities are endless!