Remote DNA testing

Remote DNA testing: how to order, collect and return your samples (even from abroad)

Do you wish to carry out a DNA test but the participants are located in different cities or countries? Are you wondering whether it's possible to do a remote DNA test without everyone being gathered in the same place?

The good news is that it's entirely possible, and even simple and reliable, provided you follow a few collection and dispatch rules. Today, thanks to online ordering and international deliveries, you can:

• receive a kit at home (or at multiple addresses),

• carry out collections separately,

• return samples to the laboratory,

• receive results by email.

In this comprehensive guide, we explain all the options for carrying out a remote DNA test, the step-by-step procedures, precautions to guarantee reliability, and best practices for secure dispatch.

Carrying out an online DNA test from any country

Ordering your DNA test online in just a few clicks

The first step in carrying out a remote DNA test is to place an order online. This entirely dematerialised procedure allows you to order your test:

• from any country,

• at any time,

• without travelling.

Once your order is confirmed, you receive instructions for collecting and returning samples. The process is designed to be accessible, even without specific medical knowledge.

Flexible and secure payment options

Laboratories generally offer several payment methods to suit your country and preferences:

• Credit card: quick and very common solution.

• PayPal: convenient for secure international payments.

• Bank transfer: preferred option in certain countries.

• Western Union: accepted by some laboratories for international dispatches.

Our advice: always check the currency used when paying. Conversion fees may vary depending on the method chosen. If necessary, contact the laboratory before finalising.

How to carry out a remote DNA test when participants are far apart?

The challenge of geographical distance (and why it's no longer a problem)

It's very common for DNA test participants not to live in the same city, or even in the same country. This is particularly the case for:

• a paternity test involving a parent abroad,

• genealogical research with dispersed family members,

• verification of a biological link between expatriate individuals.

Fortunately, distance is not an obstacle. You can carry out collections separately, then return the samples to the laboratory.

Important: testing generally only begins once all samples have arrived at the laboratory.

The 3 solutions for receiving your collection kit

When participants are geographically distant, three main options exist to obtain the necessary kit.

Option 1: requesting a second kit (or multiple kits) from the laboratory

How does this option work?

The laboratory can dispatch multiple kits to different addresses. This is the simplest option when you want each participant to receive their kit directly.

Procedure to follow:

When ordering, provide all the necessary delivery addresses. The laboratory prepares as many kits as addresses provided and sends them, often in parallel, to avoid unnecessary delays.

Costs and considerations for international dispatches

An additional kit often incurs extra charges. The amount depends on the laboratory and destination country.

Caution regarding international dispatches:

If a participant is located abroad, you'll need to select international dispatch. This solution may present:

• higher costs (postage fees),

• variable timescales (sometimes several weeks),

• customs formalities that may extend delivery time.

In certain situations (distant countries, slow or unreliable postal service), this option isn't always the most effective. In this case, the following option may be preferable.

Option 2: creating your own home DNA kit ("homemade" kit)

Why create a homemade DNA kit?

This solution is particularly recommended if a participant is in a country where deliveries are long or uncertain. By creating a home collection kit, you avoid waiting for official kit and save time.

How to proceed?

Laboratories generally provide detailed instructions for creating a home DNA kit with simple items:

• sterile swabs (from a pharmacy),

• paper envelopes to store samples,

• consent forms (often downloadable).

If you follow the instructions step by step, you can obtain collections of equivalent quality to those performed with an official kit.

Advantages of this method:

• time saving (no waiting for delivery),

• savings (no kit dispatch fees),

• flexibility (collection possible as soon as you're ready).

Coordinating dispatches with the same customer number

If multiple participants send their samples separately, ensure you indicate the same customer number on all collections.

This is essential so the laboratory can associate the samples and perform the comparative analysis. Results are then transmitted by email within the usual timescales.

Option 3: receiving a DNA kit by express delivery

The quick solution for urgent situations

Many laboratories offer express dispatch via international courier. This option is ideal if you need to proceed quickly.

Advantages of express kit delivery

Quick receipt:

By choosing express dispatch, you can receive the complete kit in less than a week (depending on destination). The package generally includes:

• necessary documents (consent, instructions, dispatch form),

• sterile kit compliant with laboratory requirements,

• pre-addressed envelope for return.

Costs and conditions

Express service represents an additional cost of approximately £40 to £50 (variable depending on laboratories).

Important to know: return dispatch isn't always included. The kit often contains a pre-addressed envelope, but not necessarily with prepaid postage. You'll therefore need to cover return costs.

Organising return with an international courier

To return your samples, favour an international courier (DHL, FedEx, UPS, etc.) rather than a standard postal service.

Why?

• speed (a few days),

• reliability (reduced risk of loss),

• traceability (tracking number),

• signature on delivery.

Steps to follow:

1. Choose an international courier.

2. Arrange home collection or drop off your package.

3. Keep the tracking number.

4. Communicate this number to the laboratory if requested.

Special recommendation for Africa

If you wish to carry out a DNA test from an African country, the express option is very strongly recommended. In certain regions, postal services may be irregular. An international courier secures the entire process.

Carrying out a remote DNA test independently: the step-by-step process

Carrying out a remote DNA test is perfectly suited when participants live in different cities or countries. This flexibility enables paternity tests, siblingship tests or any other relationship test to be performed, even over great distances.

Steps to follow

1. Order your test online

Choose the type of test and number of participants.

2. Prepare the kit (official kit or homemade kit)

Depending on your choice, receive the kit or prepare the requested items.

3. Carry out collections

Each participant collects their sample separately following the instructions. Buccal collections are simple, quick and painless.

4. Return samples to the laboratory

Send samples via an international courier, especially if the laboratory is located in Europe or North America.

5. Receive results by email

Once all samples are received, analysis begins. Results generally arrive within 3 to 10 working days, depending on the test.

Why favour an international courier?

When laboratories are abroad (often in Europe or North America), standard postal services can be slow, and sometimes risky.

Courier advantages:

• delivery within a few days,

• signature on delivery,

• real-time tracking,

• superior reliability.

Guaranteeing the reliability of remote collections

Which sample to choose? Buccal swabs remain the reference

Sample type is a key point for successful remote DNA testing. Laboratories most often recommend buccal swabs (cheek swabs), as they offer:

Great ease of collection

The procedure is simple, painless, can be performed at home, without training.

Good shelf life

A properly performed and stored buccal collection can be preserved for up to 3 months, which allows time to send it from a distant country.

Sufficient quantity of DNA

Buccal cells contain enough DNA to perform the majority of filiation tests with high accuracy.

When to consider an alternative sample?

In certain situations, buccal swab is difficult or impossible:

• newborn or very young child,

• deceased person,

• non-cooperative participant,

• situations requiring discretion.

In these cases, non-standard samples may be considered (hair with root, toothbrush, dummy, etc.). However, they may pose constraints:

• strict storage conditions,

• sometimes lower DNA quantity,

• possible additional fees.

Our advice: always contact the laboratory before dispatch if you're using a non-standard sample.

Engaging a doctor to secure collections

In which cases should you use a healthcare professional?

Sometimes, you don't have control over collections or you want to eliminate all doubt. This solution may be relevant if:

• a participant is a minor and you're not on site,

• you fear falsification or sample exchange,

• you need enhanced reliability for legal use,

• collections are performed in a country where you cannot travel.

In these situations, the involvement of a doctor or healthcare professional can be reassuring.

How to organise collections with a doctor?

1. Contact a doctor before ordering

Explain the procedure and verify they agree to supervise.

2. Have the kit sent directly to the surgery

The kit arrives at the medical surgery, which reinforces kit integrity.

3. Appointment for collections

The doctor summons participants and supervises the procedure.

4. Verifications performed by the doctor

The professional can ensure:

• identity verification (identity card, passport),

• strict adherence to instructions,

• checking of documents (consents, forms),

• packaging,

• organisation of return via secure courier.

What concrete benefits?

This procedure provides:

• more rigour in the procedure,

• formal verification of participants,

• maximum reliability,

• enhanced legal value if necessary.

This option represents a cost (doctor's fees), but it can be useful when the stakes are significant.

Reliability and accreditation: the most important point

Why laboratory accreditation changes everything

The reliability of a DNA test primarily depends on the laboratory that analyses the samples. Accreditation means the laboratory complies with strict international standards.

In concrete terms, an accredited laboratory is assessed on:

• equipment compliance,

• analysis procedures,

• staff qualifications,

• traceability and quality control,

• reproducibility of results.

Before ordering, check particularly:

• ISO 17025,

• AABB (global reference for paternity tests),

• any national accreditations depending on country.

Other factors that influence reliability

Even with a good laboratory, several elements can play a role:

1) Sample type

Buccal swabs are the most reliable. Non-standard samples may increase the risk of an inconclusive result.

2) Test type

Direct relationship tests (paternity, maternity) are often more accurate than indirect relationship tests (siblingship, avuncular).

3) Declared information

The accuracy of information transmitted to the laboratory can help correctly interpret results. Describe the family situation clearly.

Returning samples: best practices to follow

Choosing the right courier

To maximise your chances of success, courier choice is essential.

Recommended couriers:

• DHL Express

• FedEx International

• UPS Worldwide

• TNT Express

They generally offer 2 to 5 days' delivery time, complete traceability and high reliability.

To avoid if possible:

• standard postal services in countries where the network is unreliable,

• dispatches without tracking,

• local couriers without international coverage.

Properly packaging your collections

Packaging:

• place each swab in its individual paper envelope,

• allow to dry for at least 1 hour before packaging,

• never use plastic bags (risk of moisture and mould),

• add all requested forms.

Customs declaration:

For international dispatch, a declaration may be necessary. You can indicate:

• "biological samples for paternity testing"

• or "biological samples for paternity testing".

Tracking number: keep it and transmit it to the laboratory if required.