How to collect your DNA sample at home, a step by step guide

Before you begin

Before collecting your sample, make sure you have not eaten, drunk anything other than water, smoked or chewed gum for at least 30 minutes. This ensures a clean sample and prevents contamination that could affect your results.

What is a buccal swab?

A buccal swab is a small cotton tipped stick used to collect cells from the inside of your cheek. It is completely painless, non-invasive and takes less than a minute per person.

Step by step collection

1. Open your kit and lay out all the contents

2. Label each specimen bag with the participant name before you begin

3. Open the swab packaging without touching the cotton tip

4. Rub the swab firmly on the inside of your cheek for 30 seconds

5. Remove the swab and allow it to air dry for 60 seconds

6. Place the swab inside the labelled specimen bag and seal it

7. Repeat for each participant using a fresh swab each time

Returning your sample

Once all samples are collected place everything inside the prepaid return envelope included in your kit and drop it at your nearest post office. Alternatively you can drop your samples off directly at our laboratory during opening hours.

What happens next?

Once your samples arrive at our laboratory our team begins processing immediately. You will receive a confirmation notification and your results will be delivered securely within 3 to 5 business days.