Step-by-Step Guide to Home DNA Collection

Easy DNA Collection Instructions for Accurate Home Testing Results

This guide provides clear instructions for collecting your DNA sample at home using a buccal swab for GameDay DNA tests.

Important Before You Start

  • Wait 30 minutes after eating/drinking

  • Complete all paperwork first

  • Keep sample envelope ready

  • Review kit instructions thoroughly

Illustration of a crossed-out eating and drinking sign, symbolizing the requirement to avoid food, drink, or smoking 30 minutes before DNA sample collection

Preparation (30 Minutes)

To maintain the integrity of the DNA sample, do not eat, drink, or smoke for 30 minutes prior to swabbing. Doing so does not change the DNA or affect the result of the test, but foreign substances on a swab may negatively affect the ability to effectively extract the DNA.

Illustration of a hand holding a swab, demonstrating how to collect a DNA sample by rubbing the inside of the cheek

Swab Collection

Tearing the end of its packaging carefully, remove a cheek swab by the stick, taking care to not let the fabric end touch the table or other surfaces.

Illustration showing a person swabbing the inside of their cheek to collect DNA cells for accurate testing

Cheek Cell Collection

Using a rolling motion, swab the inside of the cheeks on both sides for a full 30 seconds, taking care to avoid the gum areas as much as possible.

Move the swab up and down while still rotating to maximize the collection of cheek cells that contain DNA. Remember, you are not collecting saliva—you are collecting cheek cells. Do not spit on the swabs. Repeat Step 2 with the remaining swabs, alternating cheeks with each swab; be sure to use all of them.

Illustration of a hand holding a swab in the air for 60 seconds, symbolizing the drying process before storing the DNA sample

Drying Process (60 Seconds)

If the swab seems “too wet,” wave it back and forth in the air for 60 seconds. The swab does not need to be completely dry before placing it in the paper sample envelope.

Illustration of a swab being placed into a paper envelope, demonstrating proper storage for DNA sample submission

Proper Storage

Taking care not to touch the fabric end, place the swab directly in the paper sample envelope. Swabs should never be put back in the original plastic packaging or stored in plastic baggies since this can degrade the sample during shipping.

Parent holding two children outdoors, symbolizing the importance of accurate and reliable home DNA testing for family relationships

Tips for Best Results

If you would like a sibling, grandparent, or aunt/uncle DNA test, then we can do that too!

Please call to discuss your case with one of our experienced and helpful case managers.

Frequently Asked Home DNA Testing Questions

 

  • If the sample envelope seems damp, just place it on a clean counter and let it air-dry before placing the envelope into the mailer. This will not compromise the integrity of the DNA in any way.

  • The buccal swab kit we send you contains complete instructions for collecting each test participant’s DNA safely and effectively. We provide three (4) cheek swabs for each person, which you use to firmly swab the inside cheek. This collects more than enough DNA to run the test.

  • Handle swabs with care! If different participants’ swabs touch before being placed in their respective paper envelopes, they might cross-contaminate. Please contact us and we’ll be happy to ship you out new DNA-collection supplies at no additional cost.

  • Please do not put swabs with samples back into the original plastic packaging or into household baggies for storage and/or shipping purposes. Paper sample envelopes included in the kit are ideal receptacles for an organic matter like DNA because the paper “breathes.” When DNA is confined in plastic it can become a breeding ground for mold and the sample quickly becomes degraded. If the lab receives degraded samples, they won’t be able to be tested and the lab will request new samples; this will delay results.

    If swabs seem too “wet” after DNA collection, wave them in the air for about 60 seconds before placing them in the paper sample envelopes.

  • Yes; DNA on swabs remains viable for up to 6 months as long as the swabs are stored in paper envelopes and kept in a cool, dry place.

  • As long as cheek swabs are stored in the paper envelopes provided in the buccal swab kit (not in plastic) and are kept in a cool, dry place, samples remain viable for up to 6 months.

  • Cheek swabs are optimal for collecting the amount of DNA necessary for testing, which is why they are GameDay DNA’s choice. The price of testing for postnatal tests includes analysis from DNA obtained through cheek swabs only; it does not include testing other types of samples.

    If you want to use other types of samples, be advised there is a non-refundable $150 – 300 fee for a viability test wherein we determine if enough DNA can be extracted from the sample for testing. Contact us for more information at 302.527.1789.

  • The third set of swabs is intended for use by the mother and her participation is included in the price of testing. Because the mother’s participation can sometimes strengthen results, submitting her DNA is recommended but it is not mandatory. If you want to use the third set of swabs to test an additional child, you’ll need to pay an additional lab fee. Contact us at 302.527.1789.

  • If the swab accidentally touches any surface other than the inside of your cheek, it may become contaminated. Please use the spare swab to perform the collection again. If you do not have the spare, please contact our customer support team for additional help.

  • It is difficult to be 100% sure with the naked eye if you've collected enough DNA. However, it's essential to swab firmly and thoroughly inside your cheek. Follow the instructions carefully, applying consistent pressure during swabbing. If the swab appears slightly damp after swabbing and you followed the instructions, you likely have collected a sufficient sample.

  • No. Using a different type of swab can compromise the integrity of your DNA sample and lead to inaccurate or unusable results. Our collection kits contain specifically designed swabs to optimize DNA collection and preservation.

    If you have lost or damaged the original swab, please contact our customer support to get a replacement swab.

  • If you ate or drank something within 30 minutes of swabbing, it could contaminate the sample. Please wait at least 30 minutes, rinse your mouth thoroughly with water, and then proceed with the DNA collection.

  • If the swab breaks during the collection process, try to collect the sample with the remaining part of the swab. You can use the spare swab to continue and collect it. Please contact our customer support team.

  • Please contact customer support if the paper envelope has been exposed to water, or other damage before mailing.

  • Yes. Do not rinse with mouthwash prior to swabbing. We recommend rinsing your mouth with water only.