Your home 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.

The kit is packed with the following:

• colour-coded envelopes- one envelope for every person taking part in the test. The swabs are the same colour as the envelopes. Having them colour coded ensures you do not get confused when collecting the DNA samples. (view image)
• You will find a well-explained set of instructions
• you will also have the submission forms which you will need to carefully fill in.

Step One:  (view image)
Remove the swabs from the envelopes- you will have two mouth swabs per person.  Remember, it is recommended not to eat or drink for at least half an hour before an oral sample is taken.

Step Two:  (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 write in block capitals in a manner that is clear and easy to read.

Step three:  (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 person and both these swabs need to be used.

Step Four:  (view image)
The acutal collecting of DNA samples is very simple. Rub the cotton ended part of the swab along the inside of your cheek, under your tongue and your inner lip. 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 provided for every person.

Step five:  (view image)
Before placing the swabs back in the color coded envelope allow the swab a MINIMUM of 1 hour to dry. Keep DNA samples taken from different people seperate- if different swabs come into contact with eachother you may contaminate samples. After the 1 hour drying period, 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 Six:  (view image)
Place the color coded envelopes into the homeDNAdirect self addressed envelope with your submission form and send back the home DNA test kit 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 (such as a court ordered paternity test) a different kit will be provided and collecting DNA samples also varies slightly. 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 DNA testing home kit provided or want to order a DNA paternity test contact us at info@homednadirect.com.au