Sample Collection Process – Saliva Samples

There are a number of samples you can send for DNA testing, however, the standard one used for all DNA tests is that of Saliva samples (collected via oral swabs, mouth swabs, or buccal swabs). The widespread use of this sample is due to the fact that the success rate is very high and saliva has the added advantage of being extremely simple to collect.

An oral swab looks very much like a cotton bud with a cotton-ended part on a single end of the stick. Oral swabs are of course sterile whilst packed and it is crucial to handle them in a clean environment with clean hands. In the case of a legal paternity test, you will not be handling any swabs as sample collection is carried out by a neutral third party.

The procedure to obtain a saliva sample for your paternity test is simple and painless, and for this reason these types of samples are the most commonly used. The sampling kit generally includes a number of mouth swabs. The sampling procedure involves rubbing the swab gently against the gums and the side of the mouth to collect a mixture of saliva and loose skin cells that contain the necessary DNA. The swab is then allowed to dry for about 20 minutes to 1 hour depending on the weather conditions prevailing. Once dry, the swab is placed in an envelope and the sample is ready for dispatch to the lab.

Tips for successful Saliva Sampling:

  • It is important to make sure that the sample is correctly labelled with the name or code number of the donor.

  • To avoid contamination of the sample it is of utmost importance to use a new swab for each donor and not to touch the cotton ended part of the swab directly.

  • Since the sample collection procedure is so simple it is worthwhile taking more than one sample per donor to assure there are adequate amounts of sample for each donor.

  • Avoid eating, drinking and smoking for at least half an hour before sampling since food and drink may compromise the quality of the sample. The only drink allowed is water.

  • In the case infants requiring their mouths to be swabbed, again it is important that at least an hour has elapsed since the infants last feed and moreover, to rinse their mouth with lukewarm water prior to rubbing the swab inside their mouth.

Sending the DNA Samples for testing

Once you have collected samples using the sterile mouth swabs and filled in the necessary forms, you may then package the samples and forms together and send them to the laboratory. In general, saliva samples and blood spots remain usable for several weeks. Whole blood samples have a much shorter lifespan and can only last for a few days at room temperature.

In order to ensure fast and safe door-to-door delivery it is always better to send the samples through a reputable carrier that provides this type of service (e.g. FedEx, DHL, TNT, UPS, etc.) however how you send your samples is purely the client’s choice. Some providers have preferred shipping companies they work with and may also have special packaging procedures, so always be sure to follow the instructions they provide. Using a provider’s suggested carrier may expedite the test because the two parties may have a special agreement to streamline delivery services. Cost of shipment is generally paid by the person sending the samples and not by the laboratory.

You should bear in mind that the turnaround time for your results depends on when your samples are received at the laboratory and not from the moment you receive the kit. If more than one kit is involved in the same test, testing can only begin when everyone’s kit and DNA samples have been received. Moreover, you should never send in any samples without first having advised the company about it as this can create complications.

Proceed here to find out how the Paternity Test is performed at the laboratory