Home DNA Collection Instructions

This visual guide applies for any Home DNA test kit which requires a sample via buccal swab.

Home Collections: 5 Quick Steps

1. Start Clean

No smoking, drinking, eating for 30 minutes before testing.

To maintain the integrity of the DNA sample, do not eat, drink, or smoke for 30 minutes prior to swabbing. Doing so does not change the DNA or affect the result of the test, but foreign substances on a swab may negatively affect the ability to effectively extract the DNA.

2. Remove Swab

Opening swab packaging for paternity testing.

Tearing the end of its packaging carefully, remove a cheek swab by the stick, taking care to not let the fabric end touch the table or other surface. 

3. Brush Up and Down while Rolling the Swab

Paternity test buccal swab, showing rotation of swab.

Using a rolling motion, swab the inside of the cheek, alternating cheeks with each swab, on both sides for a full 30 seconds. Take care to avoid the gum areas as much as possible. Move the swab up and down while still rotating to maximize the collection of cheek cells that contain DNA. Remember, you are not collecting saliva—you are collecting cheek cells. Do not spit on the swabs.

4. Allow to Air Dry for 60 Seconds

Rotation of swab to airdry.

If the swab seems “too wet,” wave it back and forth in the air for 60 seconds.  The swab does not need to be completely dry before placing in the paper sample envelope.

5. Place Swab in Paper Envelope

Package both swabs to send out for paternity testing.

Taking care not to touch the fabric end, place the swab directly in the paper sample envelope. Swabs should never be put back in the original plastic packaging or stored in plastic baggies since this can degrade the sample during shipping. 

  • If the sample envelope seems damp, just place it on a clean counter and let it air-dry before placing the envelope into the mailer. This will not compromise the integrity of the DNA in any way.

  • The buccal swab kit we send you contains complete instructions for collecting each test participant’s DNA safely and effectively. We provide two (2) cheek swabs for each person, which you use to firmly swab the inside of each cheek. This collects more than enough DNA to run the test.

  • Handle swabs with care! If different participants’ swabs touch before being placed in their respective paper envelopes, they might cross contaminate. Please contact us and we’ll be happy to ship you out new DNA-collection supplies at no additional cost.

  • Please do not put swabs with samples back into the original plastic packaging or into household baggies for storage and/or shipping purposes. Paper sample envelopes included in the kit are ideal receptacles for organic matter like DNA because paper “breathes.” When DNA is confined in plastic it can become a breeding ground for mold and the sample quickly becomes degraded. If the lab receives degraded samples, they won’t be able to be tested and the lab will request new samples; this will delay results.

    If swabs seem too “wet” after DNA collection, wave them in the air for about 60 seconds before placing in the paper sample envelopes.

  • Yes; DNA on swabs remains viable for up to 6 months as long as the swabs are stored in paper envelopes and kept in a cool, dry place.

  • As long as cheek swabs are stored in the paper envelopes provided in the buccal swab kit (not in plastic) and are kept in a cool, dry place, samples remain viable for up to 6 months.

  • The third set of swabs is intended for use by the mother and her participation is included in the price of testing. Because the mother’s participation can sometimes strengthen results, submitting her DNA is recommended but it is not mandatory. If you want to use the third set of swabs to test an additional child, you’ll need to pay an additional lab fee. Contact us at (508) 443-1428.

Frequently Asked Questions