You must follow the instructions provided in your test kit for sample collection. Incorrect sample collection will result in delays in testing, recollection or no results.
If you require assistance at any point during your collection, please contact our Client Support Team.
Sample Collection Instructions
Begin by activating your test kit at www.dnatca.com. The laboratory cannot process your samples if your kit is not activated.
Do not eat, drink, brush, chew gum, breastfeed, smoke or put anything into the mouth for at least 1 hour prior to sample collection.
Step 1: Prepare Supplies
Take out the supplies from inside your kit and arrange them neatly on a clean surface. You will have supplies to collect two swabs from each person participating in the test.
Step 2: Complete the Donor Information and Consent Form
Each person must complete the form on the back of their specimen envelope. Testing may not proceed if the form is incomplete.
Step 3: Open a buccal swab package
Wash and dry your hands, then tear open a buccal swab package. Each package contains two buccal swabs. Carefully remove a swab by holding the swab by the stick.
Step 4: Collect two swabs, one from each cheek
Scrape and rotate the swab vigorously on the inside of the right cheek of the appropriate individual for at least 30 seconds, then place the swab directly into the correct specimen envelope. Repeat using the second swab on the same individual, this time on the left cheek.
Step 5: Allow swabs to dry completely
Allow the swabs to air dry inside the specimen envelope at room temperature for at least 30 minutes, then seal the specimen envelope. If you do not allow the swabs to dry completely, the DNA will degrade and the test will not work.
Step 6: Seal specimen envelope
After the swabs have dried completely, seal the specimen envelope. Make sure that the specimen envelope has been clearly labeled with the name of the donor and the form on the back of the specimen envelope has been completed and signed.
Step 7: Repeat steps 2–6 for the next person (if applicable)
If your test kit contains supplies to collect from more than one person, repeat steps 2 to 6 for each additional person. Be sure that you use the appropriate color-coded specimen envelope and swabs. Once you are finished collecting all the samples, place the specimen envelopes into the return mailer, then follow the instructions in the kit to ship your samples to the lab.
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Important Collection Tips
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You must use the swabs provided in this kit.
Do not use your own swabs. Testing will not proceed if you submit a sample that is not collected using the swabs provided in this kit. -
You must collect 2 swabs for every individual tested.
If you only send back only 1 out of the 2 swabs for an individual, testing may not proceed. -
Put the swabs into the correct specimen envelope.
Do not mix up the samples. To prevent sample mix-up, collect from one individual at a time and clearly print the correct name on the specimen envelope. -
The swabs must be completely dry before you seal the specimen envelope.
DNA stores best in the dried form. If you do not allow the swabs to dry completely before sealing the specimen envelope, the DNA may degrade and you may not receive a result. -
Do not put anything in the mouth for at least 1 hour prior to collection.
This includes eating, drinking, breastfeeding, chewing gum, smoking, and brushing your teeth. If anything was put in the mouth within 1 hour before collection, there may not be enough buccal (cheek) cells to perform the test. -
Complete and sign the back of the specimen envelope.
Testing may not proceed if the form is incomplete. - Return samples for testing within 3 months of sample collection.
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You must activate your kit at www.dnatca.com.
Your samples will not be tested if you do not activate your kit. - Incorrect collection will result in delays in processing or no results.
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Collect the sample from the correct person – no substitutes
DNA relationship tests are specific to the type of relationship tested. For example, a paternity test kit cannot be used to test a sibling or grandparent relationship. If an individual is not available to participate in a DNA relationship test, contact our Client Support Team to switch the test type. Additional fees may apply.
Private knowledge DNA tests are intended for personal use only. If you need a chain-of-custody test for legal proceedings, contact our Client Support Team to change the test type. Additional fees will apply.