DNA Testing Articles for members of the public

The History of DNA Discovery

Learn about the history of DNA discovery and DNA science.

How much is a DNA test?

How much does a DNA test cost? Find all the information you need here.

DNA testing after fertility treatments

With increasing numbers of babies being born as a result of fertility treatment, DNA testing can give you peace of mind over the biological identity of your child.

DNA Science

Learn about the scientific techniques we use at AlphaBiolabs

Types of DNA Testing

Learn about the different types of DNA testing available at AlphaBiolabs

How to read your ancestry DNA test results

We explore ancestry DNA test results in more detail, including what the test results will show depending on which test you take.

How do I change a father’s name on a birth certificate?

Do you need to change a name on a birth certificate? Learn more here.

DNA Testing FAQs

Frequently asked questions and answers about our DNA tests

Should I take a DNA Test?

Have you thought about the implications of taking a DNA test? Learn more here.

Zygosity Twin Testing Explained

Looking for information about our DNA Zygosity Twin Testing? Get your answers here.

Why is consent needed?

Why is consent needed from all parties when DNA testing?

How much DNA do we share?

Find out how much DNA we share with the animal world

What does parental responsibility for DNA testing mean?

What is parental responsibility? Learn more here.

The DNA Testing Process Explained

Learn about our DNA testing process here.

Peace of mind vs. legal DNA testing

What is the difference between a peace of mind and a legal DNA test? Find out here

Additional DNA reporting

AlphaBiolabs offers its customers the option to include additional reports with every case.

Can you do a paternity test with hair?

We discuss paternity testing with hair, whether it is possible to establish paternity using a hair sample, and why cheek swabs remain the industry standard for at-home DNA testing.

Baby gender test vs. ultrasound

Which is more reliable; a baby gender DNA test or an ultrasound?

Useful Organisations

Here we have complied a select list of useful third party organisations.

Sample Collection

AlphaBiolabs has been instructed to obtain a sample from you for either DNA, drug and/or alcohol testing. This info sheet will guide you through the process.

Problems opening your test report

Having difficulties opening your test report? Read this guide.

Fun facts about twins

Here are some fun facts about twins.

Can I get British citizenship through my child?

We look at what British citizenship is, who can apply, whether you can gain British citizenship via your children, and how DNA tests can be used as supporting evidence.

Identical vs fraternal twins

What’s the difference between identical and non-identical (fraternal) twins? How can DNA testing help families find out whether twins are identical or non-identical?

How accurate is a blood test for gender?

In this article, we discuss baby gender testing, how the test works, and the accuracy of a baby gender test.

How much DNA do brothers and sisters share?

In this article, we discuss how brothers and sisters share DNA, and what can be learnt from a sibling DNA test.

Can a DNA test prove half-siblings?

In this article, we discuss DNA testing for siblings, and whether a DNA test can prove half-siblings.

Do twins run in families?

We discuss whether twins run in families, and the factors that can increase your chances of conceiving twins.

NIPT test – What you need to know about Non‑Invasive Prenatal Testing

An NIPT is a genetic test used to screen for genetic abnormalities during pregnancy. Find out more in our expert article.

What is Down’s syndrome?

In this article we look at what Down’s syndrome is, the causes and characteristics of Down’s syndrome, and how you can test for Down’s syndrome before birth.

What is Edward’s syndrome?

In this article we look at what Edward’s syndrome is, the causes and characteristics of Edward’s syndrome, and how you can test for Edward’s syndrome before birth.

How much is a NIPT test?

How much does a Non-Invasive Prenatal Testing (NIPT) cost?

How to choose a DNA testing company

In this article, we discuss the key factors to consider when choosing a DNA testing company.

How long do people with Down’s syndrome live?

What is the life expectancy for a person with Down’s syndrome?

Health issues associated with Down’s syndrome

There are several medical conditions that are more common in people with Down’s syndrome. Read on to find out more.

What is Mosaic Down’s syndrome?

Mosaicism accounts for around 2% of people with Down’s syndrome. Read on to find out more.

Is Down’s Syndrome a Learning Disability?

Learn about the links between Down’s syndrome and learning disability.

Down’s Syndrome and Autism (ASM)

Learn about the similarities and differences between Down’s syndrome and autism

Which parent determines the sex of a baby?

Which parent determines the sex of a baby, and how can you find out the baby’s sex before birth?

Are identical twins always the same sex?

In this article, we explore the science behind identical twin sex determination and how twin DNA testing can help families find out whether twins are identical or non-identical.

Can you have twins from different fathers?

We explore the science behind a twin phenomenon known as heteropaternal superfecundation – when a pair of twins from the same birth have different fathers.

Swabs versus blood samples for DNA testing

In this article, we discuss two of the main sample collection methods – cheek (buccal) and blood sample collections – and which is the best sample collection method for your particular DNA test.

Can identical twins look different?

In this article, we examine how twins can look different while still being genetically identical. And conversely, twins who look the same might not be genetically identical!

DNA sequencing for genetic ancestry testing

How DNA can be used to gain insight into your ethnic background, geographical origins, and even the migration patterns of your ancestors.

When and how can you find out the gender of your baby?

Scientific advancements have made it possible to find out the sex of your baby from as early as 6 weeks into your pregnancy, with only a blood sample from mum required.

What is the best way to find out the gender of your baby?

In this article, we look at the different testing methods available for finding out the sex of your baby before birth, and how to decide which test is best for you.

Can pregnancy cravings be used to predict baby gender?

In this article, we discuss pregnancy cravings, what they mean, and why DNA testing is the only reliable way to find out the sex of your baby.

What are haplogroups?

In this article, we discuss paternal and maternal haplogroups, the differences between them, and how you can find out your paternal or maternal ancestral lineage.

What is the Mayan calendar gender predictor?

We explain how the Mayan calendar gender predictor works, how accurate it is, and other methods that can be used to determine a baby’s gender.

What is the Chinese gender predictor?

We explain how the Chinese gender predictor works, how accurate it is, and other methods that can be used to determine a baby’s gender.

Which physical traits are inherited from the father?

We explain what genetic inheritance is, how it works, and which genetic traits can be inherited from your biological father.

How far back do ancestry DNA tests go?

We discuss the different types of ancestry test, what these tests can tell you, and how far back they can go.

Is an ancestry DNA test accurate?

In this article, we look at the accuracy of ancestry DNA testing.

Can you get DNA from ashes?

We discuss what happens to DNA during cremation and the alternative options for DNA testing after death.

How to determine paternity without a DNA test

We look at some of the ways people used to try and verify paternity, before modern DNA testing – and why DNA testing is the only reliable method.

DNA vs RNA – what are the differences?

In this guide, we explain the key features of DNA and RNA.

Where is DNA found?

In this article, we’ll break down exactly what DNA is, where it’s located in human cells, and which body parts or fluids contain DNA that can be used for DNA testing.

Different types of ancestry DNA tests

There are three main types of ancestry DNA tests – here, we explore the different types in more detail.

How much is an ancestry DNA test?

Here, we take a closer look at the cost of ancestry DNA tests, and factors that can impact the cost of the test.

How to collect your DNA sample at home

We explain the home DNA sample collection process, so you can collect your samples quickly and easily, for an accurate result.

Can you have different sets of DNA?

In some rare cases, a person can have two (or more) different sets of DNA. Here we explain how and why this happens – and what it can mean for DNA testing.

Can you increase your chances of having twins?

In this article, we explore how twins are formed, and the factors that can increase your chances of having twins.

How long do ancestry DNA test results take?

The time it takes to receive your ancestry DNA test results depends on which test you choose.

What is STR analysis?

Here, we take a closer look at STR analysis, how it works, and why it’s used in DNA testing.

What’s the difference between an accredited and an unaccredited laboratory?

In this article, we explore the importance of accreditation in more detail.

DNA testing and surrogacy in the UK

This guide explains how DNA testing fits into surrogacy arrangements in the UK, helping intended parents and surrogates make informed decisions.

Learning Centre – DNA Testing Articles for members of the public

Articles about DNA Testing

About AlphaBiolabs

From the blog

Contact us