Please follow these instructions for collecting your buccal samples using our DNA kit. You need to repeat this process for every person to be tested.

Note: It is recommended not to eat or drink at least 30 minutes before a buccal sample is taken.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1:

You will find a number of coloured envelopes in your DNA testing kit. One envelope is provided for each person to be tested. Fill out the submission forms as well as the details on the outside of each envelope making sure everything is completed clearly and correctly.

Step 2:

Inside each envelope is a set of sterile swabs. There are two swabs provided for each person to be tested. Remove the first swab from the plastic packaging. Be careful not to touch the cotton end of the swab with anything so it remains sterile.

Step 3:

Rub and twist the first cotton end of the swab up and down against the inside of your left cheek. Do this for ~ 15 – 20 seconds. Remember you are collecting cheek cells and not just saliva, so rub right against the inside of the cheek.

Step 4:

Before placing the swab in the coloured envelope provided 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 swab in the coloured envelop. Do not touch the end of the swab at anytime, even to check if it is dry.

Step 5:

Remove the second swab from the plastic packaging. Be careful not to touch the cotton end of the swab with anything so it remains sterile.

Step 6:

Rub and twist the second cotton end of the swab up and down against the inside of your right cheek. Do this for ~ 15 – 20 seconds. Repeat Step Four with the second swab.

Step 7:

Once both swabs have dried, place them in the coloured coded envelope. Each envelope should contain two swabs from one person.

Step 8:

Place the colour coded envelopes into the DTL self-addressed envelope with your submission form and send back to DTL for processing. Please remember to affix a postage stamp.

To dry swabs
• To allow your swabs to dry place them cotton-end up in a clean empty glass.
• Put the glass in a safe, clean area, allowing the swabs time to dry.
• Always ensure that you do not mix up or contaminate the swabs, keep swabs from different participants in a separate glass.