When the result of a DNA test turns a person’s life around in ways they never imagined, it can be one of the most disorienting experiences in a person’s life, and understanding what to do next is crucial. It could be an unexpected paternity test result, a hidden relative found by ancestry matching, or an identity finding that is different from your family history. Science is just the beginning. What follows is actually the navigation that starts. This blog will help you navigate the next steps in a straight line.
What DNA testing can tell you about your life that can be life-changing?
A DNA test may provide a person with information that changes his/her entire perception of who he or she is genetically. The upsides and downfalls of a DNA test can be significant, ranging from confirming what they had suspected to locating facts that no member of the family was expecting to hear. The results of a paternity test may be used to either establish or disclaim a biological father. Ancestry surprises can include ethnicities, unknown relatives, and so-called “family secrets” that may have been intentionally passed down. There are emotional and practical implications to each of these types of results, and each comes with its own set of decisions to be made.
Unexpected Results and Their Effect
How to deal with unexpected paternity results? When the results of the DNA are unexpected, for example, if someone is identified as a relative when one had not thought of them, or a DNA test returns a paternity result that conflicts with the parent-child relationship, or close relatives are revealed through genetic matching, there may be immediate emotional reactions such as shock, grief, or confusion. The reactions are totally normal. The outcome of the results is not the end of the story. It’s the start of a journey that can be greatly helped by information, professional assistance, and time to consider before taking a major decision.
What should you do when you see surprising DNA test results?
When a surprising result is received, confirm that the sample was collected and tested according to accepted procedures by an accredited laboratory and that there was a proper chain of custody. The first step in handling unplanned paternity affidavits is to determine whether the result is actually correct; if not, the negative impact on the disruption is much more severe. Not every DNA test is created equal, and the accreditation of the lab that handled your sample makes a huge difference for test validity.
Establishing accuracy and verifying results
The accuracy of the results of DNA testing depends on the process used to obtain them. CLIA-accredited laboratories with chain-of-custody are scientifically defensible and consistent in results. If your test was performed at home using a test kit that has not been verified, or the test was not performed by an accredited laboratory, the best first step is to get a confirmation test performed by a professional laboratory before making emotional or legal decisions based upon your test results.
What are some emotional and family issues that may arise following unexpected DNA results?
Unusual DNA findings impact not just the individual, but whole families. If there is a difference between the family’s expectations of who the parent is and the result of the identity revelation/paternity test, this can cause tension, difficult questions may arise about the past, and the situation may make for a fractious time between those receiving the news and those who did not.
How to handle relationships and hard conversations
- Ancestry surprises and unrecognized relatives discovered via DNA matching can cause old wounds to reopen or even bring forth new ones, especially since they seem to mean that someone in the family intentionally concealed and failed to provide important biological data for years.
- DNA test results will mean different things to different family members — while some will want results immediately, others will take more time to come to terms with the results, and it’s important to be patient, clear, and able to engage professional counseling services to help everyone deal with the DNA test consequences.
- Children who are involved in paternity test outcomes deserve to be told the truth, age-appropriately, and that information is stable; the way it is presented to them is important and should be handled with care and prudence, and with the expert advice of a qualified professional.
When you are hit with unexpected DNA test results, what should you do?
When a surprising result occurs, the first step is to slow down and take some time before responding. The secret to handling an unplanned paternity test outcome is not in deciding first, but in verifying first, followed by informed decisions.
Validating Outcomes and Investigating Other Options
- Verify the finding with a professional paternity DNA testing service that uses a CLIA-certified lab before taking any legal, financial or relational action based on the initial DNA test result.
- If the consequences are personal, medical or legal, you should consult a licensed genetic counselor or lawyer to make sure you have a clear understanding of your options before taking formal steps in response to a result.
- Discuss with them if there are other tests, like NIPP testing for prenatal cases or extended relationship DNA testing, that may be necessary to create a total and accurate biological picture in their case.
Face DNA Test works with CLIA-certified laboratories to offer relationship, ancestry, paternity, NIPP, and DNA testing services, backed by rigorous chain-of-custody protocols that ensure results are scientifically accurate and legally defensible. If the outcome is life-changing, you need to be 100% sure the lab you use is reliable.
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Conclusion
An unexpected DNA result doesn’t mean the end it means a turning point. Take time to make sure you have correct information, cross-check with a reputable, accredited source, and seek professional advice before making big decisions. Face DNA Test offers DNA testing services that are as accurate as it gets, professionally handled, and results you can trust, and a base from which you can develop your future plans.
