Buccal Swab Collection Guide Using the DTL Home DNA Test Kit
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.
Instructions for collecting samples Blood
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.
Instructions for collecting samples Amniotic fluid
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).
Instructions for collecting samples Nail Clippings
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.
Instructions for collecting samples cigarette butts
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.
Instructions for collecting samples Toothbrush
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.
Instructions for collecting samples Hair
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.
