Here is your chance to go on a spitting spree and discover your DNA while you are at it. At least if you can afford it. US$999. per spit sample for DNA testing and related services is nothing to spit at.
I’ve been interested in DNA testing for a long time. My interest was sparked several years ago by a case in a family that required DNA testing for a paternity suit.
This exercise of discovery can be fascinating from an outsider perspective. No doubt it can be painful like Dr. James Watson found out. The results were earth shattering for the family and the child involved was totally confused.
DNA testing has become more popular in recent years for paternity cases. This has fed many stories in the media. The results from these paternity tests have been causing a stir as more men discover that the child they thought was theirs, belonged to someone else. Panama like Jamaica has many of these ‘jacket’ stories. [Ask the next Jamaican you meet what is a 'Jacket'].
The Spit Kit (seen in the picture above) is the product of the company 23andme. They are not promoting this product toward those who are primarily seeking paternity answers. Although, the results can tell you who is not your father. According to their Blog, Spitoon many of their clients using their service represent cases of adoption, persons seeking insight into genetic vulnerability to certain diseases, and also those interested in their ancestry. All from a little spit.
Makes you want to go ‘eeewwwww’ doesn’t it? I know.
However, the gals over at 23andme have made the spit test into a lot of fun. They came up with the idea of a Spit Party. Guy Kawasaki blogged about his attendance at the first 23andme Spit Party. From the pictures on his blog, it appears that people had a lot of fun spitting.
I hope the results will be equally well received by all those brave souls. Brings me to ask, which is really what I wanted to do all along. (I confess) Does anyone know how I might be able to get a free DNA test? No criminal activities please!
Do send me the details marvia(at)marviaspanamajournal(dot)com. Apart from the many things I want to know, is how much Taino/Native American Indian blood I have, is Nanny of the Ashanti my great, great, great+ grandma, and such exciting revelations.
Tell us if you would you do a DNA test and what you’d like to find out.
Marvia
Let's Connect