| DNA testing is most accurate method for | | | | also negatively the results of the DNA test. |
| confirming biological relationships between | | | | Normally the envelopes provided are colour |
| individuals. The most common form of testing | | | | coded to provide some form of |
| nowadays is DNA Paternity testing, which is | | | | differentiation. Clear administration of the |
| done to confirm the relationship between an | | | | samples is of paramount importance in |
| alleged Father (and sometimes Mother) and a | | | | protecting the accuracy of the test; |
| child. | | | | therefore it is critical that you follow all |
| | | | instructions contained within your DNA kit |
| If you are planning to do a DNA Paternity | | | | sample pack. |
| test, or any other DNA Relationship test, the | | | | |
| following article provides you information on | | | | When it comes to actually taking the samples, |
| how to go about taking a sample of your DNA | | | | you will require two cotton swabs per person |
| for DNA testing purposes. | | | | to ensure that in the event one of the swabs |
| | | | does not work, a second sample is available. |
| The object of the exercise is to obtain a | | | | With the swab end kept free from contact with |
| sample of cheek cells from which the | | | | anything that may contaminate the DNA, rub |
| scientists at the lab can extract DNA to | | | | firmly against the inside of the cheek and |
| match and identify genetic relationships. To | | | | tongue to gather saliva and cells which will |
| do this, you're going to need to take a swab | | | | contain the vital DNA material. In isolation |
| sample from all of the parties involved, that | | | | from potential contaminants, and having |
| is the mother, father and the child in a | | | | refrained from touching the cotton end of the |
| traditional paternity test situation. Don't | | | | swab, the swab should be allowed a minimum |
| worry - it's not at all painful and the whole | | | | period of around 60 minutes to dry off before |
| process is very simple and straightforward. | | | | it is sealed ready to go to the lab. Repeat |
| | | | this process for all the swabs required for |
| To start with, instruct everyone partaking in | | | | each person taking the paternity test. |
| the DNA test to avoid eating and drinking for | | | | |
| at least half an hour prior to giving their | | | | Once you've collected all the relevant |
| sample to avoid any contamination of the | | | | samples and filled in the necessary |
| sample that may negatively effect the | | | | documentation, it is time to send the pack |
| testing. Additionally, it's also advisable | | | | off to the laboratory performing the DNA |
| to avoid smoking for a period of one hour | | | | testing. It is normally advisable to send |
| prior to submitting the sample for DNA | | | | the DNA samples through a postal method that |
| testing. | | | | can be tracked such as registered mail or |
| | | | courier to ensure it arrives at the DNA |
| The samples once collected should be clearly | | | | testing laboratory. |
| marked, labelling both the name and | | | | |
| relationship of the party involved on the | | | | Depending on how long your particular choice |
| envelope provided, as well as in the | | | | of testing laboratory tends to take, you |
| submission sheet you should be provided with | | | | could be waiting anywhere from a number of |
| the DNA testing kit. The samples of each | | | | days to a number of weeks for the results of |
| person should also be kept separate to avoid | | | | the DNA test to arrive. |
| any risk of cross contamination which would | | | | |