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