Part of what keeps my job interesting is the odd, interesting, difficult, and just plain weird questions people have about DNA. I thought I would take a second to share a few and their answers (if they can be answered).
Question: “If I send you my DNA and a copy of my birth certificate can you tell me if that is really where I was born?”
Answer: Unfortunately, your DNA does not contain any information about your birthplace. Okay, this one has only come up once. At the time I was extremely dumbfounded. Honestly, I am still at a loss as to the logic on this one.
Question: “Can you tell if someone does drugs by testing their DNA?”
Answer: No, we cannot. This is a more common question than you might expect. Also, we cannot see alcoholism in your DNA either.
Question: “I was sick with the flu when I swabbed. Will this change my results?”
Answer: No, your DNA is not affected by virus or bacteria. It is also not impacted by cancer, HIV, or other diseases.
Question: “How old do you have to be to test your DNA?”
Answer: You can test an unborn child’s DNA by sampling the amniotic fluid of the mother. Meaning, there is no age limit. You can test a child right after he/she is born. Your DNA is the same from the time of conception until you die. And this question is not exactly weird, but it comes up often enough that I thought I would throw it in.
And the weirdest question I have ever heard?
Question: “Is it possible that my DNA is the Da Vinci Code?”
Yes, someone really asked me this, and yes I was able to contain my disbelief and reply. My reply? “I am not certain I understand how your DNA may be related to the Da Vinci Code.”
After this the customer abruptly hung up.
DNA is a subject that is not always easy to understand. So, I wouldn’t hesitate to write or call and ask your questions. At least you know there has always been someone who has asked something odder, right?
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