DNA Collection Guide

Nail clippings may provide a good source of DNA. Freshly trimmed nails (from fingers or toes) work best. The use of nail clippings is particularly useful in cases where DNA testing needs to be carried out on a recently deceased person. It is recommended that one avoids as much as possible touching the nail clippings directly. When submitting nail clippings for DNA testing please ensure the following

Wear gloves when handling the sample to avoid contamination
Place the nail clippings in the envelope provided and send to DTL for testing
Finally, place the plastic bags into the DTL self-addressed envelope with your submission form and send back to DTL for processing.

Cigarette butts can be a good source of DNA if they have not been contaminated. The more a cigarette has been smoked the more DNA is likely to be available. The success rate of obtaining a DNA from profile from cigarette butts is influenced by a number of variables such as storage and handling conditions. A cigarette that has been shared is likely to produce a mixed DNA profile. When submitting cigarette butts for DNA testing please ensure the following:

Wear gloves when handling the samples to avoid contamination
Take the cigarette butts from an ashtray rather than from the street
Submit 3-5 cigarette butts for testing
Using gloves, place the cigarette butts in a plastic bag and send to DTL for testing
Finally, place the envelopes or plastic bag into the DTL self-addressed envelope with your submission form and send back to DTL for processing.

A toothbrush can be a good source of DNA if it has not been contaminated. The more the toothbrush has been used the more DNA is likely to be available, therefore it is better to send an older toothbrush rather than a new one. The success rate of obtaining a DNA from profile from a toothbrush is influenced by a number of variables such as the usage of the toothbrush and the storage conditions. When submitting a toothbrush for DNA testing please ensure the following:

• Wear gloves when handling the sample to avoid contamination
• Do not touch the head or bristles of the toothbrush
• Air dry the toothbrush by placing in a glass with the bristles facing up for 1 hour
• Place the dry toothbrush in the envelope provided and send to DTL for testing

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

Finally, place the envelopes or plastic bags into the DTL self-addressed envelope with your submission form and send back to DTL for processing. Please remember to affix a postage stamp.

Any hair that is submitted for testing must have roots or the follicle attached. Hair that has been cut will not produce significant DNA. When submitting hair for DNA testing please ensure the following:

• Wear gloves when handling the samples to avoid contamination
• Do not touch the end of the hair containing the follicle
• 8-10 hairs are required
• Using gloves, place the hair in the plastic bag provided and send to DTL for testing

Finally, place the envelopes or plastic bags into the DTL self-addressed envelope with your submission form and send back to DTL for processing. Please remember to affix a postage stamp.

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.

Blood samples come in a variety of forms including fresh (whole) blood, blood stains on tissue or other absorbent materials and dried blood stains. A fresh blood sample is as effective as a buccal swab for providing DNA. The probability of success of DNA extraction from blood stains or dried blood will depend on the level of decomposition of the blood and whether any contaminating substances are present that can interfere with DNA extraction (this can be due to contamination from chemicals, human sources or from being exposed to the elements). Whole blood should be taken at the hospital in an EDTA vacutainer and may be stored for 24 hours at 4 °C before submitting for DNA testing. When submitting blood stains or dried blood for DNA testing please ensure the following

Wear gloves when handling the sample to avoid contamination
Using gloves, place the sample in a plastic bag and send to DTL for testing
Finally, place the plastic bag into the DTL self-addressed envelope with your submission form and send back to DTL for processing.

Consult your Obstetrician or Gynecologist before opting to submit this sample. Amniotic fluid must be taken by a qualified Obstetrician or Gynecologist. Amniotic fluid must be transported to the lab in a sterile container inside a cool box (4 – 8 ºC).