DNA Collection Protocol
Our kit contains all materials and instructions necessary for
collection and submission of your sample: an introduction letter describing the content of the kit, buccal swab, a pre-addressed return envelope as well as a form confirming the address(es) of individuals authorised to request identity testing. IMPORTANT: Please do not eat within an hour before of taking the swab. Before taking the swab please rinse your mouth with water.

1 Put on the glove provided.

2 Retrieve the swab from its packaging (do not touch the swab head with your fingers).

3 Slowly rub the inside of the left cheek for about 10 seconds with the swab head then repeat on the right cheek. Ensure that the swab is moist with saliva. THE SWAB MUST KEEP ITS FORM AND NOT BE TOO WET.
 
4 Firmly press the swab onto the collection card in the area indicated. Do not touch the sample area with your fingers.

5 Allow the collection card to air-dry overnight at room temperature in a clean draft free area. Ensure that cards are not touched or interfered with by animals or children (Keep the samples at room temperature at all times).

6 Each collection card must be labelled with the name of the person the sample has been taken from.

7 Put the collection card in the bag provided.

8 Make sure the nominee forms have been completed.

9 Put the bag and forms into the pre-paid envelope and seal.

10 Post back immediately.

Painless DNA Sampling
Since DNA is contained within every living nucleated cell of our body, it is possible to extract DNA from cheek wall cells collected on a swab. Only DNA that passes quality control checks is stored.

Upon receipt of the sample we perform quality control checks to ensure that the DNA has been collected successfully and is suitable for future molecular analysis. The DNA collection procedure can be performed simply and painlessly on anyone, from a newborn child to a mature adult.