Your DNA testing Kit for sample collection is put together and explained in such a way so that it is really easy to collect your DNA samples. However, we do recommend following a few basic guidelines which will ensure successful DNA sampling.

Keep the following in mind as these two issues are crucial to collecting DNA samples properly and that will allow the laboratories to conclude the test without problems.

If you are required to give a DNA sample you must not drink any hot drinks or smoke and cigarettes or other products for at least 1 hour before testing.

Parties involved in testing should also rinse their mouth with warm water. For infants, you can give them some water from their bottle and do not feed them for 1 hour before you take their DNA sample.

The following steps will help you better understand DNA sample collection and is accompanied by visual images of the sample collection process.

Step One:  (view image)
You will find a number of colored envelopes in your DNA test kit. Normally kits provided are pre-packed and will come with  swabs for up to 3 people. You will also find your submission forms.

Step Two:  (view image)
Inside each envelope is a set of color coded swabs. These swabs are the same color as the envelope they come in.  It is recommended not to eat or drink at least half an hour before an oral sample is taken.

Step Three:  (view image)
Fill out the submission forms as well as the details on the outside of the envelope making sure everything is filled in clearly and correctly. Please print in block capitals.

Step Four:  (view image)
Remove the swabs from the paper packaging. Be careful not to touch the cotton end of the swab with anything so it remains sterile. There are two swabs provided per each person to be tested.

Step Five:  (view image)
Rub the cotton end of the swab along the inside of your cheek, under your tongue and behind your lips as well. Do this for 10 seconds per person. Remember you are collecting cheek cells and not just saliva, so rub right against the inside of the cheek. Do this with both of the colour coded swabs per person.

Step Six:  (view image)
Before placing the swab back in the color coded envelope allow the swab a MINIMUM of 1 hour to dry. Place the swab somewhere that the end of the swab is not touching anything else. When dry place the swabs back in the color coded envelope. Do NOT touch the end of the swab at anytime, even to check if it is dry.

Step Seven:  (view image)
Place the color coded envelopes into the homeDNAdirect self addressed envelope with your submission form and send back to homeDNAdirect for processing. Please remember to affix the appropriate postage stamps.

Repeat the above process for each person being tested.

Legal DNA Test Kit

For Legal DNA Testing a different kit will be provided. For information about the additional requirements where chain of custody procedures are required visit the Legal DNA Tests section.

If you have any further questions on how to use the home DNA test kit provided please do not hesitate to contact us at info@homednadirect.com.au