DNA Test Kit - How to Collect Your DNA Samples

DNA sampling is a simple procedure and if you follow the instructions provided in our kit it will be easy to complete the process. We have created a very user-friendly DNA testing home kit that contains all the necessary things you need to successfully complete your sample collection.

Before starting with any DNA sample collection, please be aware of the following advice which needs to be followed 1 hour before sample collection:

• Do not drink any hot drinks such as tea or coffee or any drinks other than water;
• Do not smoke any tobacco containing products such as cigarettes and cigars.

These two simple rules are important to avoid the possibility that our laboratory might have problems extracting the DNA from samples thereby making the samples useless.

People taking part in the test should rinse their mouth with warm water. For babies, you may give them some warm water in their bottle before testing and if possible ensure that at least 1-2 hours has gone by between feeds before taking samples.

Take some time to have a look at our visual guide to understand the sample collection procedure.

Step One:  (view image)
You will find a number of colored envelopes in your DNA test kit. Normally kits provided are pre-packed and will come with  swabs for up to 3 people. You will also find your submission forms.

Step Two:  (view image)
Inside each envelope is a set of color coded swabs. These swabs are the same color as the envelope they come in.  It is recommended not to eat or drink at least half an hour before an oral sample is taken.

Step Three:  (view image)
Fill out the submission forms as well as the details on the outside of the envelope making sure everything is filled in clearly and correctly. Please print in block capitals.

Step Four:  (view image)
Remove the swabs from the paper packaging. Be careful not to touch the cotton end of the swab with anything so it remains sterile. There are two swabs provided per each person to be tested.

Step Five:  (view image)
Rub the cotton end of the swab along the inside of your cheek, under your tongue and behind your lips as well. Do this for 10 seconds per person. Remember you are collecting cheek cells and not just saliva, so rub right against the inside of the cheek. Do this with both of the colour coded swabs per person.

Step Six:  (view image)
Before placing the swab back in the color coded envelope allow the swab a MINIMUM of 1 hour to dry. Place the swab somewhere that the end of the swab is not touching anything else. When dry place the swabs back in the color coded envelope. Do NOT touch the end of the swab at anytime, even to check if it is dry.

Step Seven:  (view image)
Place the color coded envelopes into the self addressed envelope with your submission form and send back to the laboratory for processing. Please remember to affix the appropriate postage stamps.

Repeat the above process for each person being tested.

Legal DNA Test Kit

For Legal DNA Testing a different kit will be provided. For information about the additional requirements where chain of custody procedures are required visit the Legal DNA Tests section.

If you have any further questions on using the home DNA test kit please do not hesitate to contact us at info@homednadirect.co.uk