The DNA collection process for a personal, “peace of mind” paternity test is designed to be simple and straightforward. DNA collection  is done with buccal (cheek) swabs  and is just as accurate as using blood for DNA testing.

DNA test collections

The collection is completed by the participants in the comfort of their own homes. It’s important to note that the personal paternity test results are not court-admissible because collections are done by the participants without the establishment of an impartial chain of custody that verifies participants and proper handling of samples. 

There are step-by-step instructions for collecting samples inside the IDENTIGENE paternity test collection kit. Along with instructions you’ll find an order form, which is used to provide payment information if you choose to pay by credit card or debit card (or you can simply send in a money order), and to advise the laboratory how you would like to receive your paternity test results. Once all of this paperwork is filled out you are ready to collect the DNA for paternity testing.

NOTE: If you prefer, you can call IDENTIGENE at 888-404-4363  if you want to pre-pay by phone instead of submitting payment with your samples.

Fill out the sample envelope first

Each  paternity-test participant uses one sample envelope and three swabs (one pack of three) for their DNA collection. Doing the DNA collection for one person at a time, you simply fill out the sample envelope denoting whose samples will be inside of that specific envelope. Include their name, date of birth, role (alleged father, child, or mother), and all other information requested.

Collect the DNA for paternity testing

1. 1. Once you have all of the requested information filled out on the sample envelope, you then open one set of swabs. Using one swab at a time, you want to scrape the inside of the cheek, inside of the lips, and/or around your gum line for at least 30 seconds. Use a downward motion as you rotate the swab between your fingers. Once you have completed the first swab, place it directly into the sample envelope (do not put it back in the original plastic), then move on to swab #2.

 

1. 1. You will do the same thing with swabs #2 and #3. It does not matter what side of your mouth is used for the DNA collection, however, we recommend to rotate sides so you don’t use one side of your mouth for all three swabs. Once you have done all three swabs for the first participant you can then move on to the next participant, starting with filling out their sample envelope. Do this until all participants are collected. Collecting the DNA samples from one person at a time will help reduce the risk of mixing samples.

 

1. The envelope may get wet from the saliva that tends to come with the DNA sample. If this does happen, once you have completed the collection process with all three swabs and sealed the envelope you can lay the envelope on a counter at room temperature and let it dry.

 

After the DNA paternity test collection

Simply send the samples, order form, and payment (if you haven’t prepaid by phone) to our laboratory. Then one (2) business days after samples arrive at the lab, your results are released, and you have the answers you need.

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