DNA CHEEK SWAB INSTRUCTIONS

Below are detailed instructions on how to collect your own cheek swab samples when you purchase an At Home DNA test kit.

How To Collect Cheek Swab Samples?

  1. Complete the chain of custody form enclosed with your sample collection kit. The required sections that must be completed are: Relationship, Name, Date of Birth, Signature, Date of Collection, and Sex. These sections will be highlighted on the chain of custody form.
  2. Fill out each Sample Collection Envelope with the name of each tested person as it appears on the Collection Form (Alleged Father, Child, Mother, Sibling etc.), date of collection, date of birth, name of the collector, and initial the back of each envelope. These sections will be highlighted on the sample collection envelopes.
  3. There are six swabs in a plastic package. Please use 2 swabs per person (for a total of 4 swabs for 2 people or 6 swabs for 3 people).
  4. Remove the first swab by slowly pulling it out of the protective package. Do not touch any part of the cotton tip with your hand and only touch the shaft with your fingers.
  5. Swab the inside of the mouth between the cheek and the gum, brushing and twirling for a minimum of 30 seconds. Make sure you air-dry the swab for 30 seconds or more to avoid possible contamination.
  6. Repeat this process with the second swab on the other cheek.
  7. Place both used swabs into the Sample ID Envelope of the person being tested.
  8. Repeat steps 4-7 for each person being tested.
  9. Once completed, ensure you have filled out the chain of custody form correctly. Place the chain of custody form and all Sample Collection Envelopes into the prepaid envelope that came with your DNA sample collection kit.
  10. Ship the DNA test kit back to the laboratory.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a buccal swab?

The term buccal swab refers to a cheek swab DNA collection. This method effectively collects epithelial cells from the inside of the mouth when brushed against the cheek. It represents the industry standard for paternity, maternity, grandparent, sibling, and forensic DNA testing services.

Buccal swabs are preferred for DNA testing because they are less invasive than blood tests and still provide accurate results. To perform a paternity test, participants brush a cotton swab against the inside of their cheek for about 30 seconds. They should follow the specific instructions provided in the testing kit.

How do I collect hair follicle samples?

Below is the method to effectively collect hair follicles.

Unlike buccal swab collection, hair samples require more care and attention to ensure accurate testing results. Follow these instructions to successfully collect your forensic hair samples:

  • Use clean tweezers or a hairbrush to collect hair samples that include the root (the small white bulb at the base of the hair follicle).
  • Collect at least 5-10 hair strands with intact roots to ensure sufficient DNA material for testing.
  • Place all hair samples in a clean paper envelope. Do not use plastic containers or Ziploc bags, as they may trap moisture and degrade the DNA quality.
  • Clearly write the name of the person on the envelope and include the date of collection.
  • Place the labeled paper envelope inside the return shipping envelope provided in your kit.
  • Important: Never store hair samples in Ziploc bags or plastic containers as they may destroy the quality of your samples.

How to collect toothbrush samples?

Below is the process of collecting a toothbrush sample for DNA analysis.

Collecting a toothbrush sample requires more care than collecting a cotton buccal swab sample. Below are essential steps to ensure successful collection:

  1. Usage Duration: Ensure that the toothbrush has been used consistently for a minimum of 6 weeks.
  2. Drying the Sample: Air dry the toothbrush sample completely before placing it into a paper envelope.
  3. Labeling and Storage: Label the envelope clearly with the person’s name and date of collection. Keep the sample at room temperature. Do not use a plastic bag, as it may trap moisture and contaminate the sample, rendering it unusable for analysis.
  4. Shipping the Sample: After collecting your toothbrush sample, place the paper envelope containing the sample in your prepaid shipping envelope to return to the lab.

Paternal Services:
Home Paternity Test
Legal Paternity Test
Prenatal Paternity Test
Parentage DNA Testing

DNA Testing Services:
Sibling DNA Test
Grandparent DNA Test
Avuncular DNA Test
Maternity DNA Test

Forensic DNA Services:
Infidelity DNA Test
DNA Testing w/Hair
DNA Testing w/Toothbrush

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