DNA is considered to be the blueprint of life, and a DNA test can help determine biological relationships by using paternity other types of DNA testing. Collecting DNA for a paternity test is much less invasive than it used to be. Instead of having to draw blood, cheek (buccal) swabs are used in DNA testing. You just swab the inside all participants’ cheeks and then send the samples in to the lab.
Can “regular” cotton swabs be used for a paternity test?
One of the most common questions addressed to the IDENTIGENE Client Support Team is: Why can’t people just use cotton swabs and send those in instead of using the cheek swabs included in a DNA test collection kit?
The DNA testing swabs are like cotton swabs, but with some very important modifications. The tips are made from a special Dacron polyester material that is optimal for DNA collection and extraction of the DNA in the laboratory. This material effectively captures the cells needed for paternity testing and holds on to them.
Although DNA for paternity testing can (in theory) be collected on regular cotton swabs, the process for extraction of the DNA is much more difficult and less reliable than extraction from the special Dacron swabs supplied in the DNA collection kits. Because of this, samples submitted on regular cotton swabs are considered ‘special specimens’and the cost for testing is higher due to the extra work involved.
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keithen says
Do the regular cotton swabs produce the same results as the ones in the paternity kit?
KD says
Hi Keithen,
No. The swabs provided in the DNA Paternity Test kit are made out of synthetic materials designed specifically to collect cheek cells. Any other type of sample will be considered a special specimen and may incur additional fees. Thank you for contacting us with your question. Please let us know if we can assist you further.
Emilie myers says
How can I receive free home dna for my child
Admin says
Hi, Emilie. I’m not sure what you’re asking, sorry. What do you mean by free home DNA?
Kathy Jackson says
How do I order the swab DNA test kit?
Identigene says
Hi, Kathy. Just visit this link! http://dnatesting.com/get-the-paternity-test-kit/
Evert says
Can regular cotton swabs from twins help determine the paternity?
Identigene says
Hi, Evert. We use special swabs for DNA testing because they capture DNA more efficiently and our robots are able to extract the DNA better. You can send samples in with regular cotton swabs, but there’s no guarantee we’ll be able to extract the DNA.
Kim says
So if you send in regular cotton swabs will that likely give an in accurate result?
HomeDNA Identigene says
It might, but it might not. It’s best to use the ones in the kit.
Jeff says
When the results are sent in using your kit, how long will the results stay posted for?
Kenisha says
The kids spilled juice on the swabs that came in testing kit so I went to the hospital and asked for sterile swabs and they gave them to me so that’s what I used to do the test I just need to know if that was okay to use or do I need to buy another kit
HomeDNA Identigene says
Hi, Kenisha. Those swabs aren’t the same as swabs used to collect DNA, but they might work if you want to give them a try. If they don’t, we’re always happy to send you out new testing materials free of charge once the lab fee is paid.