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FAQs About Collecting DNA Samples

Here are the most common FAQs about collecting a DNA sample is here to answer your questions. It covers everything from how to collect samples to when and where to do it. If you’re wondering about the best practices for storing DNA samples, you’ll find that information here too. We want to make sure you have all the information you need for a successful process. This FAQ page has been developed to be your go-to resource. We’re here to help you with clear, easy-to-understand answers.

How Do I Know If I’m Doing The Collection Right?

First, take a moment to relax! We are confident that you will perform exceptionally well.

Next, we provide step-by-step instructions on how to perform a mouth swab collection. To access these instructions, simply click on “DNA Collection.

Can I Send In Something To Be Tested That Is Not A Mouth Swab?


If you have ordered non-standard or “alternative” items for testing, follow these instructions:

1. Place the item inside a paper envelope.
2. Write the necessary information on the front of the envelope.
3. Seal the envelope by taping it closed.

Remember, it’s important to avoid using plastic wrap for DNA samples, as it can encourage the growth of bacteria and compromise the sample’s integrity.

You can learn more about these types of items by clicking on Alternative DNA Samples.

Do I Have To Use A Real Name When I Collect And Send In The DNA?

In private testing, there’s no need for identity verification. The name or initials you indicate on the envelope will be used to label the test results. To ensure a smooth testing process, make sure that the name on your order form and the one on the collection envelope match, as any discrepancies may cause delays in testing.

Is The Make Your Own DNA Kit (MYOK) Option As Reliable As The Test Kits I Can Order?

Yes. The choice of using regular cotton swabs (similar to Q-tips) or buccal swabs for DNA collection is entirely up to you. Regular cotton swabs typically have a 100% cotton tip, while buccal swabs are made from a blended material. However, both types are equally effective at collecting DNA when you follow our provided instructions.

Why Do You Say Not To Put my DNA Samples In A Plastic Baggie Or A Tube After I Collect It?

After collecting samples with the mouth swabs, you may find that they are still damp, even after air drying for an hour or more. Not to worry, as damp swabs will continue to dry out once they are sealed in the paper collection envelopes included in our kits. These sealed envelopes can preserve the swabs for several weeks, and sometimes even months.
Don’t be concerned if you notice a small damp spot on the outside of the envelope.

It’s essential to place the swabs directly into the provided paper collection envelopes. Do not place them back in their original wrappers or wrap them in plastic. Avoid placing the sealed envelopes inside a plastic bag, as damp swabs sealed in plastic will quickly degrade and may not yield sufficient DNA for testing.

How Soon Can I Collect A Baby’s DNA After They Are Born?

DNA samples can be collected right after birth, and it’s a straightforward process. To obtain the sample, simply rub mouth swabs on the inside of the baby’s cheek to collect cells.

What Happens To My DNA After Testing?

At our laboratory, all DNA samples we receive are securely stored onsite. After completing the testing process, these samples are retained for a period of 30 days, after which they are safely and permanently destroyed through incineration.

Does It Matter If I Can’t Get All The DNA Samples At The Same Time?

No. Once a swab has been pressed onto the collection card, and the collection envelope is sealed, it can be conveniently stored at room temperature in the provided return bag while you complete the collection of other samples. The collection envelope is designed to protect the DNA sample during this period.

When you have collected all the required samples, it is important to return them together to the laboratory for testing.

What If Some Participants Live In Different Locations?

For our personal/peace-of-mind tests, we have the capability to send sample collection kits to test participants in almost every country in the world. For those with an address in the U.S.A. we also provide a prepaid overnight return label for the DNA specimens. It’s important to note that, in this case, we cannot verify the source of the samples collected using home kits. Therefore, it’s essential to trust the individuals who will be submitting the samples when opting for the personal/peace-of-mind testing option.

In the case of legal DNA testing, participants are not required to have their samples collected simultaneously or at the same location. For our legally-admissible and immigration tests, we operate over 3,500 collection sites across the United States and globally. We can facilitate sample collections at a time and place that suits each person’s convenience.

Will Diet, Drugs, Alcohol, Or Medication Affect The DNA Collection Or Test Results?

No. DNA tests are not affected by food, drugs, alcohol, or medications.

In general, there’s no requirement to abstain from eating, drinking, or taking medications before your collection or appointment, except for one specific situation. If you are a mother and are breastfeeding a baby who will undergo testing, please avoid breastfeeding for at least 30 minutes before the baby’s sample is to be collected.

This precaution is necessary because breast milk contains the mother’s DNA. If there’s any residual breast milk in the baby’s mouth when collecting their samples (buccal swabs), there is a risk that the baby’s sample could become contaminated with the mother’s DNA, potentially leading to an unclear test result. In such cases, it may be necessary to recollect the samples.

Is There A Minimum Age For A Person To Be Tested?

No. There is no minimum age requirement for collecting a person’s DNA sample. In fact, we routinely conduct DNA tests on newborns and even very small infants.