DNA Sample Collection Guide Using the Home Test Kit

Once you confirm your order, a DNA test kit will be immediately sent to you and should be received within 2 to 3 business days. As you will see below, the DNA testing kit contains everything you require to perform your DNA sample collection including  a comprehensive set of instructions. 

To see just how simple the process is using our DNA test kit, we recommend that you review the visual instructions below. The whole process is to be repeated for every person to be tested.

The basics of our home kit

easyDNA has created a home sample collection kit. Using this home kit you will be able to collect your DNA samples. The kit is easy to use and contains what you require to collect the samples. Advanced methods of DNA extracting enable scientists to extract DNA collected by using oral swabs. Our kits contain oral swabs for the sampling of 3 people. (view image)

Given that our kits are pre-packed with swabs for 3 people, you may have extra swabs inside your kit which will not be used if two or less people are taking part. You may simply dispose of any extra swabs you will not be using.

Inside the kit you will find 3 different envelopes and in each of these, colour coded swabs (this means that the swabs will be the same colour as the envelopes; for example, the blue swabs will be found in a blue coloured envelope) (view image)

Precautions

Eating, drinking or smoking must be avoided for 1 hour before sampling. This will ensure that there will be no degredation or contamination of DNA by food substances or chemicals found in food, cigarettes etc...

Instructions: collecting your samples

1:  Begin by filling out the forms you find inside your kit. We call these forms "consent forms" and they authorise us to test the DNA samples. Write everything in block letters ensuring that everything is legible. Once you have filled the forms, proceed to write the information requested on the coloured envelopes. Check that all sections have been filled in with the details requested. (view image) 

2: Oral swabs are individually packed in paper to keep them sterile. Remove each swab from its wrapping avoiding contact with the tip of the swab that is covered in cotton (again this is a precaution to avoid contamination). Remember each person needs to be swabbed twace and you will have two swabs per person. (view image)

3:  Each swab must be gently rubbed under the tongue, against the inner cheek and inner lip (what is meidically called the oral mucosa). The rubbing motion needs to be done for ten seconds. Follow this procedure with both swabs for every one person,using one swab at a time. (view image)

4: Before returning the swabs into their respective colour coded envelopes, they must be left to air dry. Placing damp swabs inside a sealed envelope could result in the formation of mould which could affect our chances of successful DNA extraction. The recommended drying period is of one hour. We do not recommend touching the swab to check if they are dry. (view image)

5:  You are now ready for the final stage: put the colour coded envelopes all into the larger self-addressed envelope provided. Include also the consent forms. You can now send everything off for laboratory testing (view image). 

Cannot wait? Need to collect samples ASAP?

Our kit takes around 2 working days to arrive to your chosen address. If you need to collect oral swab samples but are pressed for time, you can actually assemble your very own kit in just a few steps. We will even deduct a small fee as you will not be using our kit. You can purchase swabs from a pharmacy or even use cotton buds if you are not able to purchase them from a pharmacy. If you do use cotton buds, you need to cut off one of the cotton-ended parts. Learn how to make your own home kit now.

Tips

• You may allow swabs to dry by either placing them in a shallow glass in such a way that there is no contact between the glass and the cotton ended part of the swabs. You can also leave them on a clean surface with the cotton ended part of the swab jutting over the edge. You need to be careful to keep swabs from different people apart. 
  
  
• You can collect samples even from babies. Sample collection is absolutely painless. You need to avoid feeding for 1 hour before sampling for babies and todlers too.

Sample Collection is easy! How do I obtain my DNA kit?

Once you place your order the kit will be sent out on the same day or the following depending on the time of order. If you are ready to order your DNA test then proceed to Order Here.

If you have any further questions about using our DNA test kit then you can contact us directly to discuss further.

Looking for Ireland paternal testing in Ireland? If you require more general information DNA testing services tu visit our frequent questions page.