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DNA Kit

We do not offer the dispatch of collection kits. You are required to assemble your own kit at home in order to save time and organise according to your availability. This guide explains how to prepare your oral samples using simple materials that you have at home, and then send them directly to the laboratory.

The necessary equipment for your home kit

To create your own saliva collection kit, you will need a few simple items that you can easily find at home:

  • A box of new (unused) cotton swabs

  • A pair of gloves (to prevent any contamination)

  • A pair of scissors

  • Two drinking glasses (one for each participant)

  • A large envelope (for the final submission)

  • Two small envelopes (one for each participant)

  • A printer (to print your documents and forms)

Material sample
envelopes
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Sampling Instructions

Please follow these steps carefully to ensure the quality of your DNA sample.
 

Precautions Before Sampling


To obtain reliable results, all participants must adhere to the following precautions prior to the oral sample collection:

  • ✅ Do not eat for at least 1 hour before the sample collection

  • ✅ Rinse your mouth with lukewarm water just before

  • ❌ Do not use toothpaste or mouthwash

  • ❌ Do not smoke


These precautions help to prevent contamination of the sample and ensure high-quality DNA for analysis.

Step 1: Prepare the identification envelopes

Before commencing the sample collection, please clearly identify each participant by recording the following information on the small envelopes (one envelope per participant):
 

  • Participant's full name

  • Date of birth

  • Gender (Male/Female)

  • Relationship (Father, Mother, Child, Brother, Sister, Uncle, Aunt, etc.)

  • Type of sample (Buccal swabs or non-standard sample: hair, nails, etc.)


This step is essential to avoid any confusion during the analysis in the laboratory.

Step 2: Perform the Buccal Swab

Equip yourself with a pair of gloves, a pair of scissors, and a clean glass. Then proceed as follows:
 

  1. Open the box of new cotton swabs and remove one cotton swab.

  2. Cut one of the two ends of the cotton swab with the scissors (to avoid touching the cotton with your hands).

  3. Rub the cotton swab against the inside of your cheek, your tongue, and your gums for 1 minute (perform rotational movements to effectively collect the DNA).

  4. Place the cotton swab in the glass, with the cotton facing upwards, to allow it to dry.

  5. Allow the cotton swab to dry for at least 30 minutes (or longer if necessary, until it is completely dry).


Important: Repeat this procedure 4 times for each participant (that is, 4 cotton swabs per person). Never mix samples between participants. Use a different glass for each participant.

Cut the swab
Sample Collection
to dry the swab

Step 3: Order your DNA test

While your samples are drying, you can place your test order online.
 

  1. Place your order directly on our website by selecting the desired test type.

  2. Receive your instructions by email including all necessary information, the forms to fill out, and your unique client code.

  3. Carefully fill out the online consent form. One for each participant. 

  4. Print the shipping form and fill it out with the information necessary for the test only.

Step 4: Package and Send Your Samples

Once your samples are completely dry, prepare your shipment:
 

  1. Place the cotton swabs from each participant into a corresponding small envelope (on which you should indicate the participant's information).

  2. Write your client code on the small envelopes and forms 

  3. Place all the small envelopes along with the shipping form into a large envelope.

  4. Send the large envelope to the postal address received via email.

swab inside the envelope
form inside the envelope
Swab inside the envelope

Accepted Sample Types

The use of buccal swabs is strongly recommended whenever possible, as this type of sample provides the highest quality DNA.
 

However, if buccal sampling is not feasible, please ensure that the conditions for preservation and collection are strictly adhered to, so that the sample yields sufficient genetic information for your DNA test. You may utilise non-standard samples such as:
 

  • Hair (with roots)

  • Nails

  • Used tissue

  • Toothbrush

  • Other biological materials


Important: The analysis of a non-standard sample incurs an additional cost and is an option to be added to your test.

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