Collecting your DNA samples has never been easier with our easy-to-use Home DNA testing kit. At homeDNAdirect, we have come up with a kit which is simple and relatively straightforward to use. In the DNA kit provided for your paternity test, relationship test or any other DNA test you require you will find all you need to conclude your sample collection effectively including detailed instructions.

Please note the following before performing your DNA sample collection; do not eat or drink anything hot prior to doing the test (at least 1 hour). Hot drinks include tea and coffee or any other hot beverages. Do not smoke anything for 1 hour before testing.

If you do not follow these simple rules, our laboratories may not be able to work on you DNA samples as there could be contamination of the DNA or too little DNA to go ahead with the testing.

You should also drink some lukewarm water before taking the DNA sample. In the case of babies, you can give them water in their bottle before the test and if possible do not feed them for 1-2 hours before you take their DNA samples.

Please take some time to familiarize yourself with the instructions provided. You can also proceed to read the below information and consult the visual images provided for more information:

Inside the home test kit: Typically, kits are pre-packed and come with three coloured envelopes containing the swabs. The different colours indicate the people to which the swabs inside the envelope are designated; there is one envelope per person. (view image)

The kit also contains consent forms- these need to be filled out with some basic persoanl details and the person buying the test must sign for the test. You will also find the instructions explaining everything you need to do.

Inside each envelope in your home testing kit you will find two swabs which are the same colour as the envelope. For example, the pink envelope will contain pink swabs and the blue envelope will contain blue swabs. (view image)

Step One:  The submission forms need to be carefully filled out in writing that is clear and legible. Any missing details or required but missing signatures means your test will be put on hold until the consent forms are filled in correctly. (view image)

Step Two:  Take out the swabs from their envelopes being extra attentive not to touch the cotton ended part of the swab; swabs will only have one cotton ended part. Note that you will have two swabs per person in your home test kit. (view image)

Step Three:  Rub the swab inside the mouth and under the tongue for about 10 second to collect cheek cells and saliva. Remember to use both swabs. (view image)

Step Four:  Once you have collected the DNA sample allow the swab to dry for at least 1 hour before putting it back into its envelope. One way of doing this is by placing the swabs in a glass with the cotton end face up and placing the swabs of different people in a separate glasses.  (view image). Be careful not to touch the cotton tip of the swab with your fingers, not even to check if it is dry.

Step Five:  After the swabs have been left to dry place them back into their colour envelopes and then into the self addressed homeDNAdirect Canada envelope. Do not forget to include the submissions forms and make sure they have been filled in. You need to also include the postage stamp. (view image)

Repeat the above process for each person being tested. Be careful not to allow DNA samples from different people to get into contact with eachother as this may result in contaminated samples which will prove useless for laboratory analysis.

Legal DNA Test Kit

For Legal DNA Testing (used, for example, in a court ordered DNA test) a different kit will be provided. For information about the additional requirements where chain of custody procedures are required visit the Legal DNA Tests section.

For questions about using the DNA testing home kit provided, or want to proceed to order a paternity test, contact us at info@homednadirect.ca