The cheek swab included in the kit is ideal for collecting cells present on the inner cheek surfaces of adults and children.

Instructions for DNA Sample Collection

1. Always collect the sample on the day you intend to ship it.
2. Do not ship your swab on Friday, as it delays delivery and may result in inconclusive results and the need for sample recollection.
3. Abstain from drinking coffee or tea for at least 30 minutes prior to sample collection.
4. Immediately before sample collection, rinse you mouth with water.
5. Open your sterile swab and place flocked part of the swab into the cheek pouch (the space between the gums and the inner cheek) and roll it firmly  5-10 times per cheek. The swab will take up more cells if it is left in the mouth for about 60 seconds.
6. Try to rub the swab directly on the cheeks rather than the teeth. This will minimize the amount of bacteria that is collected.
7. At the end of the sample collection promptly return the swab into the tube.
8. There is no need to label the tube, since the barcode attached provides us with all the relevant information needed for sample tracking.
9. Return the sample in the provided Purolator return envelope.

Important note:

All samples collected from children should be performed or supervised by an adult. If the child is nursing, wait 15-20 minutes after feeding before collecting a sample.