QA: Ensuring the Integrity of DNA Test Samples
Q: How long are the paternity test samples good for?
A: This is a question asked quite often by paternity testing participants. Our expert client support agents advise participants that once the samples for a paternity test are collected, we ask they are sent into our laboratory within six months. This should give time to collect all participants and get them sent to the laboratory for DNA testing.
Q: How should the DNA testing samples be stored?
A: Once the paternity-test samples have been collected you do not want to place them back in the plastic they were originally packaged in. Instead, you want to place them directly into the paper sample enveloped supplied in the paternity-test kit. If the swabs seem a little too “wet,” just wave them in the air for about 60 seconds before placing in the paper envelope. Store the samples somewhere safe and at room temperature until you’re ready to ship them to the lab.
Q: What if the paternity testing samples arrive contaminated?
A: If the DNA test samples do arrive at the laboratory contaminated in any way, HomeDNA Paternity will re-collect samples one time at no additional cost and we will ship a new kit to you at no charge.
Follow us on Facebook and Twitter! If you have questions about paternity tests or other DNA testing services, please contact our Client Support Center at 888-404-4363, Mon-Fri from 8:30 AM to 5:30 PM Eastern Time. Our friendly, expert representatives are ready and happy to help. Get answers anytime by visiting our Help Center.
gabriela says
Ive been having the test sample since the september of last year can i still send it
KD says
Gabriela,
Yes, please send them in. If for some reason our laboratory cannot extract DNA from the swabs, they will contact you for a retest. Hope this helps.
toni says
how do u keep them for that long can the swabs be frozen or refrigerated ??
Identigene says
We suggest keeping them for six months in a cool, dry place.
liam owen says
Me and my ex’s son just did an DNA swap but put the swabs in the same packet will that effect the results please ?
HomeDNA Identigene says
Hi, Liam. Did you mean you put them in the same sample envelope? If the swabs are contaminated because of this error, the lab will suspend testing and contact you.
Lillian says
I couldn’t really get my baby cheeks the right way she kept pushing me out the way so I just took whatever saliva I could get even from the gums Nd the results said tht the alleged father wasn’t the dad could tht be a mistake
HomeDNA Identigene says
Hi, Lillian. If the lab was able to get enough DNA from the baby’s swabs to issue results, then it wasn’t a problem for testing.
gabriela says
Ive had the test samples since september can i still send it in
KD says
Gabriela,
Yes, you can send them in. If for some reason, our lab cannot extract DNA from the swabs, they will contact you for a retest. Hope this helps.
Tanya Francis says
My sons dad didnt comply with a court ordered paternity test. However, Imy child and I did. It has been 8 months. Is our sample still useable and would it be best just to retake the test?
KD says
Dear Tanya,
The alleged father has to swab himself and send in his DNA samples to Identigene for us to test paternity. From your comment, it isn’t clear that he participated in an Identigene DNA paternity test. If he and your child swabbed and they have remained in the Identigene provided specimen envelopes, then you can send in the samples and our laboratory will see if they can pull DNA from the swabs. If they can’t, they will contact the participant for a retest.
Hope this answers your question. If not, please contact our client support staff at 888-404-4363. Best.
Donl Atkins says
My brother is incarcerated and recently found out he might have a daughter that is 27 years old. Can he swab a q-tip and put in plastic bag sealed up and then I get her sample and send the Dna kit to the lab? It will not be possible to send him a specimen envelope.
Identigene says
Hi Donl,
A q-tip cannot be used as it will not be able to go through testing. Special dacron swabs are needed to test. If you would like, we can send a set of swabs and an envelope to him if you contact us at 1-888-404-4363. Thanks!
Tonya Landini says
Donhl Atkins, I have a similar case! You can contact the warden at the prison your brother is in an they will allow you to send in a DNA kit! Make sure you call the warden
Eric Calhoun says
I’m overseas and mails usually takes between 2-3 weeks to get back to the states. How long does the DNA stay on the swabs since it’s traveling through for that amount of time
Identigene says
Hi Eric,
Once the sample swabs are sealed up in the specimen envelope they will generally be good for about 6 months. If you need to hold on to the samples for any amount of time, just make sure to store the specimen envelopes with the samples sealed up inside them in a safe, dry place and they will be just fine. If it has been more than 6 months you may need to purchase a new kit. The cells on the swabs only have a shelf life of 6 months. Let me know if you have any further questions and I would be more than happy to help you.
I hope this helped answer your question! Please call our friendly client support at 1-888-404-GENE, Monday-Friday 9AM-8PM ET, with any more questions and we would be more than happy to assist you!
Shaquita says
Hello
My twin did a swab test at the age of six weeks.. The guy I tested was swab a year ago.. Will the swab still be good
Identigene says
Hi, Shaquita. It depends on whether or not the swabs were stored consistently in a cool, dry place. We usually suggest testing within 6 months of swabbing, but you can give it a shot! If the sample is no longer viable, the lab will suspend testing and ask for new samples…it wouldn’t affect your test results.
Jd says
Hello. I have 3 toothbrushes I’d like to get analyzed for DNA. However, they have been exposed and been sitting in m cabinet for nearly a yr and a half. I am curious if they can be used to determine dna matches or if they are no longer good for testing? I do not have access to any other items or even the person I want tested. It’s for my own personal satisfaction.
Meisha says
Hello JD,
hank you for contacting Identigene. The preferred DNA sample industry wide is a cheek cell. These samples are obtained by swabbing the inside of the cheek using a buccal swab that is provided in our testing kits. The cheek cell is the easiest sample to work with and any other type of sample is considered a special specimen. All special specimens require an additional lab fee of $400. We cannot guarantee that we will be able to produce results with a special specimen, and we would need consent from that person to test their DNA.
All special specimens need to be pre-approved by our lab and often times require a specialized collection kit to be sent to you. Please contact us 888-404-4363 for an approval and instructions on how to send the sample us.
I hope this information helps. If you have any additional questions or concerns, please feel free to contact us 888-404-4363 and we will be happy to assist you.
Kym says
I sent samples in about a year and a half ago but my sons dad never paid for it… Are the samples still good if i call to pay so you guys can finish processing it??
IDENTIGENE says
Hi, Kym! Call in to client support to verify that we still have the samples and haven’t been discarded for non-payment. You may be asked to recollect samples. A representative is happy to assist you M-F from 9 AM to 5:30 PM Mountain Time, and the number is 888-404-4363.
Bionca says
I took a dna test recently and they used the alleged father swab from 2012. Also put the wrong birthday for my child. I would like to know is the test accurate?
IDENTIGENE says
Hi, Bionca. Our guideline for how long a DNA sample is good for is 6 months, so I wonder about the integrity of the possible father’s sample. The child’s birthday doesn’t make a difference. If you’d like to retest with us, feel free to call our Client Support Center at 888-404-4363.
Lafreda says
Hello Im looking to get a test done with my child because of dads disbelief of his son. I would like to know how much is the test in full payment? Meaning price for all test like the lab and kit. Or os the 89$ all the money needed to get the test results?
IDENTIGENE says
Hi, Lafreda! Thanks for the question. The kit is about $24.99, depending on where you purchase it, and the lab fee is $89 to test one possible father and one child. We recommend that the mother submit her samples as well, and the $89 price includes mom.
Lim says
Can I send in samples of me and my son without the mothers sample?
IDENTIGENE says
Hi, Lim. Unless you are also a legal guardian of your son, you would need the mother’s consent and signature to test. Here is more info about it: http://dnatesting.com/can-i-test-without-mom-dad-or-child-knowing/
Jordan says
My husband is questioning whether or not our son is his. I was in a relationship a couple of weeks before dating my husband. Me and my husband currently live in a different state than the other man I was with prior.
How do I go about sending in my husbands sample, my sons, my own, and this other mans sample who lives in a different state?
Admin says
Hi, Jordan.
You can send the collection materials to the person who lives in another state so they can collect their samples, or they can simply buy their own kit to collect their samples.
You can either have the other person send the samples to you so that you can send all of the samples in at the same time, or they can be sent in to us separately. If samples are going to be sent in to our lab from separate locations, we recommend that you call us to pre-pay for the testing so that we can give you a case number to write on all of the specimen envelopes. This will help to ensure that all of the samples are linked to the same case when they arrive at our lab. You can also order a Personal DNA Paternity Test Kit directly from us over the phone and we will send kit supplies to each person directly. You’re more than welcome to contact us at 888-404-4363 and we’ll be happy to help.
Ashleigh says
I live 400 miles away from the father. I have received my kit, if I take my swab and my sons swab then send them to the father for him to take his swab so he can send them all to you from his location will this be ok?
regards
Ashleigh
Identigene says
Hi, Ashleigh. Yes, you can do that. But first, you should call us directly to set up the test and get a case number. That way, the case number can be put on your testing materials and his so that they will be easily reunited at the lab for testing. That number is 800-344-9583.
Thinisha says
How do i pay the lab fee onlinet or money order
Identigene says
Hi, Thinisha. You can pay online when you register your kit or by calling us t 800-344-9583. You can send in a money order with your samples, if you prefer.
sophie says
want a test doing with out the father knowing all i have is an licked envelope from December 2015 just been sat in draw is this good enough and what the totale fee
Admin says
Hi, Sophie. We require consent from all test participants. Sorry!
Princy says
I have held on to swabs from my sons possible father for over a year, he is refusing to cooperate now.. can i send in the year old swabs?
It is very important i get this done
Admin says
Hi, Princy! We can still try to extract the DNA from them, yes. If the lab cannot, they will ask for new samples, so be prepared for that possibility.
Christy says
How long does it take for the samples to get to the lab if I put them in the mail yesterday
Admin says
Hi, Christy. It depends on how you sent them. If you used the postage-paid envelope included in the kit, then you must allow 5-7 days for samples to arrive here at the lab. Once here and testing begins, an alert will be sent to the email address attached to the account.
danni says
Hello me my son and the father done swabs yesterday.Wll this still work if my son drank the night before.And the smokes?
Admin says
Hi, Danni. The kit instructions say not to drink, eat, or smoke for one hour prior to collecting DNA. Doing so doesn’t change DNA or change test results, but it could affect the quality of the sample. If the quality of the samples is too poor to extract the DNA, the lab will simply halt the test and ask the participant for a new DNA sample. It’s a bit of a hassle for the participants because they have to wait longer for their test as a result of the delay. That being said, if you are given test results, then that means the smoking and drinking did not affect sample quality.
Mike says
I’m in prison and my wife had brought the test but she can’t send me the swabsthey have to come from you guys can y’all send them to me? And make it known to the prison what it’s for
Admin says
Find out what the rules are at your prison. Some do allow testing like this and some don’t. Do you have an attorney? He could investigate for you. If the prison allows it, then the baby’s mother or your attorney can contact us to send materials and set up a witnessed test at your prison.
Alley says
My babys dad took his test and when we sealed the envelope we didn’t know you weren’t supposed to lick the sticky part of its to seal it. I’m the one that licked it (the mom) could we have messed up the test?
Admin says
Hi, Alley. Chances are good that everything’s fine. Our lab uses very sophisticated and sensitive instrumentation. If they detect more than one DNA profile on a set of swabs, they’ll simply ask for new samples. No worries! If you have additional questions, feel free to contact us directly at 888-404-4363.
Andy says
If the mother and daughter samples where mixed up when written on the envelope would that affect the outcome or do you test everyone for matches
HomeDNA Identigene says
Hi, Andy. The lab would be able to tell if samples were mixed up and would suspend testing without issuing results till the issue is resolved.
Mila says
Im havin my bby in Jan and want to do a paternity test can it be wit any swap or does it have to be wit the one sent in the kit?
Admin says
Hi, Mila. The swabs in the kit are not like Q-tips. They are made from a material specially-designed to effectively collect DNA and are compatible with our extraction robots. Please use the ones in the kit and congratulations on your new baby!
Mila says
Thnk u ..in case father doesn’t wana take test .. Can his parents take the test..nd how accurate is that?
Admin says
Yes, they can. It’s very accurate, especially if both paternal grandparents are willing to test. You would need to submit your DNA also.
Brianna says
My aleged babys dad said the test would take over 1 week to get the results. I have reas it only takes two days, when I confronted him he said it is more expensive for two day results. Was he lying?
Identigene says
Hi, Brianna. For a straight paternity test, results are posted in two business days once samples arrive at the lab. Two-day results like these come standard with the $89 lab fee. When customers use the postage-paid envelope included in the kit, it takes 5-7 business days for the samples to arrive at the lab. So the total turnaround time from mailing to results can be 10 days. What the alleged father may be talking about in your case are the options for faster results. You can overnight samples to our lab and/or pay for one-day results. These options, of course, cost more. Hope this helps!
R.C says
Myself and a brother want know if we have the same father, is it accurate with just the two of us? A sister may also be available to test, they are the full siblings, I am the supposed half sister. What are the fees, we all live across the country from one another. Thank you.
Identigene says
Hi, R.C. Determining biological relationships is like putting together a puzzle. The more pieces you have, the clearer and more complete the picture. If the assumed father can participate, that’s perfect. If the assumed father cannot test but both mothers are willing to participate, that’s optimal. Without the participation of as many close relatives as possible, it becomes more difficult to obtain conclusive results. Because of the extra analysis required, this type of test starts at $295. You can learn more here, or contact our parent company, DDC, directly: https://dnacenter.com/dna-testing-services/sibling-dna-test/
Vay says
If one of the qtips was accidentally touch after a swab could it be contaminated?
Identigene says
Hi, Vay! It could be, but most likely not. At any rate, it won’t affect the outcome of the test. If the lab determines that a swab is contaminated, they will not use the DNA extracted from that swab. That is why we have all participants do three swabs.
Kiki says
Between these 2 guys, one of them may be the father. So, can I swab both guys & my son? Or do I (the mother) have to swab my cheeks as well. Because I do not want to buy 2 test. Also.. is the lab fee $89 per person?
Identigene says
Hi, Kiki. You can most likely use just one kit to collect DNA samples for both men and the child. The $89 lab fee is to test one child + one possible father. So if you test both men, the charge is $89 x 2 ($178). Hope this helps!
Brittany says
Hi so I sent in a test haven’t gotten it back yet but I’m worried because when the alleged father swabbed he did it so much it soaked through the paper is that gonna mess up the other swabs and the whole test??
Identigene says
Hi, Brittany. It is best to let swabs air-dry a bit before putting them in the envelopes, just to be sure they don’t cause contamination. If the lab determines there is a problem (like multiple people’s profiles on one swab), testing is suspended and new samples are requested. If a report is issued, then it wasn’t a problem.
Jon Griffin says
HI, Our son has always said that our granddaughter isn’t his. We have gone through all of her life saying she is ours. My husband and I want to know the truth for our peace of mind. She is now 32 and our son is 53. She never has heard about her father’s doubts, but he has nothing to do with her. She lives in another state and this past weekend we were with her and managed to get a plastic fork she was eating with, wrapped it in a paper napkin and brought it home with us. Her grandfather can supply a DNA. We want this test done just for the two of us (grandparents). Is it possible with what we have to work with?
Identigene says
Hi, Jon. We generally work with cheek-swab samples only since that is what our DNA-extraction robots work with. We do make exceptions from time to time, but you’d have to call and get permission. Keep in mind that the lab fee will be considerably higher with a “special sample.” Our number is 800-344-9583.
christy says
I had done a grandparent dna test with my grandmother and it came back 2.8%, so that’s considered inconclusive. Since the grandparent test comes with up to 5 samples, can I send in my biological mothers dna to go along with the test? We need a piece of mind for the family.
Identigene says
Hi, Christy. Please give us a call at 800-344-9583 to talk about adding to an existing test. Thanks!
Lauren says
What if you didn’t swab the cheek good or long enough? Like the cheek was swabbed but so what the whole mouth and not for 20 seconds each.
Identigene says
Hi, Lauren. When doing a DNA test, it’s definitely important to read all instructions thoroughly and follow them. This greatly ups the chances of the test being delayed by a need for DNA recollection. However, even if the cheeks weren’t swabbed for the full 20 seconds, if it was vigorous enough, enough DNA may have been captured. If the sample is insufficient for extraction, testing is suspended and the lab will let you know. It doesn’t affect or change results, but it can delay them.
Tina says
Hi, I Had Testing Done Back On January 18, 2017. But I Have Misplaced My Results. Is There Any Kind Of Way I Can Get Another Copy Since The Report Was Only Good For 90 Days??
Identigene says
Hi, Tina. You’re welcome to give us a call at 800-344-9583!
Pernell says
Is there anyway the results could be wrong?
Identigene says
Hi, Pernell. The same testing technology and processes are used for testing at-home kits as they are for court-admissible tests. If you used an accredited lab like ours, you can be sure that the results are accurate for the samples we were given. The only way that results can be “wrong” is if the possible father submitted someone else’s DNA for testing instead of his own or if the mother submits a sample for someone other than her child. When processing at-home kits, the lab has no control over any fraud that may have taken place before DNA samples even reach us! This is why, unless all participants can be together to watch each other swab and seal samples up in the envelopes and mail them, we suggest people invest a little more money and get a legal, witnessed test.
Megan says
I just sent in our samples but we may have mixed up the mother and alleged father envelopes, will you still be able to do the test?
Identigene says
Hi, Megan. We may be able to, since we analyze for the sex chromosome and it’ll be obvious the two were mixed up. If it’s a problem and we need new paperwork, you’ll hear from us.
Calandra says
What if the father only used 2 q tips can I still send it in?
Identigene says
Hi, Calandra. I’m not sure why he would only use two since more are provided. We run every test twice, so we need enough DNA to do that and he may be asked to submit more samples if there is not enough on the two swabs.
Mary says
Hi I recently did a home paternity test with my daughter an alleged father but I put both there swabs into the same envelope with consent form instead of putting swabs into the separate envelopes will I have to redo the test again? Or can they still be tested
Identigene says
Hi, Mary. If the lab determines the swabs were contaminated by putting them in the same envelope, then they’ll ask for new samples. If results are issued, then it was not a problem.
Candace says
What is the process of testing the dna once the lab receives the swabs?
Identigene says
Hi, Candace. This’ll help: https://dnatesting.com/dna-paternity-test-science/
Candace says
Yes perfect thanks so much
Mckinley says
The other party(mother of =
baby) “claims” to not have left the swabs in the cold mouth for 30 seconds,=
but u still got a result .. so my question being would it matter if it was=
n’t w 30 second swab? To get accurate results
Identigene says
Hi, Mckinley. If results were issued, then there was enough DNA on the swabs to do the testing and provide results.
chelly says
hi I received an email asking for another sample to be sent in . what went wrong with the first sample. Do I need to pay another lab fee?
Identigene says
Hi, Chelly. You do not need to pay another lab fee. We’ll send new testing materials to you at no charge. Chances are good there just wasn’t enough DNA on the swabs to extract for testing.
Jill says
Can I ask a question please might sound silly, but my partner said he swobed his mouth but the swobs seemed to have dried very quick and hardly wet the envelope is it ok if the swobs are not majorly wet ? Or do they just dry very quick?
Thank you
Identigene says
Hi, Jill. There are no silly questions! :-) If your partner swabbed the insides of his cheeks as instructed, then the swabs shouldn’t be too wet, actually. When people swab over the gum area, that’s when more saliva is collected and the swabs gets wet. As long as he swabbed vigorously for the full 30 seconds, as instructed, there should be enough DNA collected for testing.
Kristin says
I have sent my sample out in the mail 10 business days ago. I have not received any email still, and have checked every folder including spam in my email. I have tried calling twice to check on status, but was disconnected once and the second time on the phone waiting for someone to pick up for almost an hour. How can i find out what is going on? Can it really take this long to be recieved by your lab? Its been over 10 days. 10 days not counting sundays and Saturdays.
HomeDNA Identigene says
Hi, Kristin. One of our customer-service managers has sent you an update email. Thanks for testing with us!
Clifford says
My husband did a swab test for him and possible child but he got me to mail them for him and when I got to ups store the test were leaking I hope this doesn’t mess up test results thanks
HomeDNA Identigene says
I hope so too! If swabs seem a little wet, we always recommend that people wave them in the air or a few minutes so that they can dry, and then put them in the envelopes. Chances are they’ll be just fine, Clifford; but if they are somehow contaminated, the lab will definitely catch it and ask for new samples. The lab wouldn’t issue any results using contaminated samples.
Clifford says
I also wish this was in the info bc I didn’t know what to do with them being wet
HomeDNA Identigene says
It actually is in the instructions for the newer kits.
Clifford says
I hope it does ok but scared that it want hoping to get the results soon as I got it shipped today to be to y’all tomorrow
Jasminee says
To do a dna test , do you need the mother ,father & child dna?
HomeDNA Identigene says
Hi, Jasmine. To determine whether the alleged father is the biological father of a child, in most cases you only need the alleged father’s DNA and the child’s. But it’s best if the mother submits her DNA too, just in case it’s needed to confirm or strengthen results.
Getrüd says
You mentioned that they should be stored at room temperature. Why is that? I am interested in learning more because I think I might need some DNA testing done soon.
HomeDNA Identigene says
Hi, Getrüd. Swabs with DNA on them should be stored in a cool, dry, place. The reason is because cheek-cells are organic and are at risk of mold growth. If stored properly, swabs are viable for about six months.
Reshia says
I just notice this morning as I was about to mail the pre- paid envelope off w/ the DNA samples inside that the saliva for both the child & father leaked through the envelope the swabs go in & the mailing envelope. I think it may be contaminated. What should I do? I have the swab envelopes out drying now. I’m still going to mail them off later today though. Is it possible he baby & dad DNA results could be faulty due to this?
HomeDNA Identigene says
Hi, Reshia. If swabs are contaminated in any way, it is immediately detected by the lab. Testing is suspended without issuing results, and the lab will ask for new samples. You’re wise to let them sit out and dry before mailing them. If a report is issued, then the swabs weren’t contaminated.
Mike says
I have a kit that says $89 fee. I don’t know how old it is. What id the dacron swabs have passed the shelf life? Is it still worth sending in the samples?
HomeDNA Identigene says
Hi, Mike. These really don’t expire, so you can trust the swabs will work for you. To get the older $89 lab fee, please contact us directly to register and pay for the kit at 800-329-7519 (M-F, 8:30 am to 5:30 pm Eastern) or you can remit payment of $89 with your sample.
Marie says
Hi. I have a semen sample which I took Oct 2016. Stored on tissue on a paper envelop. I would like to know if this can still be used for paternity dna testing.
HomeDNA Identigene says
Hi, Marie. That sample is quite old, so there are no guarantees it’s still viable for paternity testing, and please keep in mind that it costs more to do this type of test with samples other than cheek swabs. You’re welcome to contact the experts at our parent company, DNA Diagnostics Center (DDC) for a consultation: 800-681-7162.