DNA Paternity Test - Sample collection instructions

You must follow the instructions provided in your DNA Paternity Test kit for sample collection. Incorrect sample collection will result in delays in testing, recollection or no results.

If you are collecting from a baby, review our tips for collecting a baby's DNA samples. If you require assistance at any point during your collection, please contact our Client Support Team. 

Sample Collection Instructions

Begin by activating your test kit at www.dnatestsdirect.com. The laboratory cannot process your samples if your kit is not activated.

Do not eat, drink, brush, chew gum, breastfeed, smoke or put anything into the mouth for at least 1 hour prior to sample collection.

Step 1: Prepare Supplies
Take out the supplies from inside your kit and arrange them neatly on a clean surface. You will have supplies to collect two swabs each from the alleged father, child, and mother (testing the mother is optional).

Step 2: Complete the Donor Information and Consent Form
Each person must complete the form on the back of their specimen envelope. Testing may not proceed if the form is incomplete.

Step 3: Open a buccal swab package
Wash and dry your hands, then tear open a buccal swab package. Each package contains two buccal swabs. Carefully remove a swab by holding the swab by the stick.

Step 4: Collect two swabs, one from each cheek
Scrape and rotate the swab vigorously on the inside of the right cheek of the appropriate individual for at least 30 seconds, then place the swab directly into the correct specimen envelope. Repeat using the second swab on the same individual, this time on the left cheek.

Step 5: Allow swabs to dry completely
Allow the swabs to air dry inside the specimen envelope at room temperature for at least 30 minutes, then seal the specimen envelope. If you do not allow the swabs to dry completely, the DNA will degrade and the test will not work.

Step 6: Seal specimen envelope
After the swabs have dried completely, seal the specimen envelope. Make sure that the specimen envelope has been clearly labeled with the name of the donor and the form on the back of the specimen envelope has been completed and signed.

Step 7: Repeat steps 2–6 for the next individual
Collect two buccal swabs from each individual by repeating steps 2 to 6 using the appropriate color coded specimen envelope and swabs. Once you are finished collecting all the samples, place the specimen envelopes back into the original box.

Important Collection Tips

You must use the swabs provided in this kit.
Do not use your own swabs. Testing will not proceed if you submit a sample that is not collected using the swabs provided in this kit.

You must collect 2 swabs for every individual tested.
If you only send back only 1 out of the 2 swabs for an individual, testing may not proceed.

Put the swabs into the correct specimen envelope.
Do not mix up the samples. To prevent sample mix-up, collect from one individual at a time and clearly print the correct name on the specimen envelope.

The swabs must be completely dry before you seal the specimen envelope.
DNA stores best in the dried form. If you do not allow the swabs to dry completely before sealing the specimen envelope, the DNA may degrade and you may not receive a result.

Do not put anything in the mouth for at least 1 hour prior to collection.
This includes eating, drinking, breastfeeding, chewing gum, smoking, and brushing your teeth. If anything was put in the mouth within 1 hour before collection, there may not be enough buccal (cheek) cells to perform the test.

Complete and sign the back of the specimen envelope.
Testing may not proceed if the form is incomplete.

Return samples for testing within 3 months of sample collection.

You must activate your kit at www.dnatestsdirect.com.
Your samples will not be tested if you do not activate your kit.

Incorrect collection will result in delays in processing or no results.

Collect the alleged father’s sample from the alleged father—no substitutes.
If the alleged father is not available for testing and you need to test one of his relatives (siblings, parents, etc.), contact our Client Support Team to inquire about changing this Paternity Test to another test type, such as a Sibling Test, Grandparentage Test, or Aunt/Uncle Test. Additional fees will apply.

The paternity test kit is a private knowledge test meant for families who wish to find out the truth about paternity in private. This test kit is intended for personal use only. If you need a chain-of-custody test for legal proceedings, contact our Client Support Team to change the test type. Additional fees will apply.