What Comes in a Home DNA Test Kit?

So you have a paternity question and are ready to purchase a test? When you order a home DNA test kit online or buy one though our app store, what exactly comes in it? Our laboratory has an excellent reputation, you can be absolutely sure the kit has everything you need to get accurate answers. Our kits are great for siblings, aunt, uncle, grandparents, father and child and much more. Here’s a quick overview.

The items for DNA-collection that come in a home DNA test kit vary depending on which type of test you’re taking and the types of instruments the lab uses for DNA extraction. For most at-home paternity tests, DNA from cheek cells are used, so the kit includes special swabs as well as paper envelopes for storage. The most popular DNA tests for ancestry extract genetic material from saliva, and so the kit includes buccal swabs (Q-Tips) designed to both hold the sample and maintain its integrity during transit to the lab.

A home paternity test kit like the ones used by industry-leader Face IT DNA Technology LLC (FIDT) contains enough DNA-collection materials to test one (1) child + one (1) possible father. The mothers participation is recommended, but not required (there may be an additional fee to test mom):

• cheek swabs (four swabs per participant)
• DNA sample envelopes to hold the participants’ swabs after samples are taken
• 1 prepaid return mailer
• 1 set of instructions

A: 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.

A: Not all companies that do paternity testing require four swabs per participant, but FIDT does; this is because the lab runs each test twice by independent teams in order to ensure complete accuracy.

There are a lot of companies in the marketplace, both online and in stores, that offer at-home DNA kits for ancestry, and each one is a little bit different. Some use cheek swabs for collection, but others use saliva as the source of DNA for testing. Most of our older kits that use saliva contain the following:

• 1 collection tube with spit cup
• 1 specimen bag in which to put the tube
• 1 mailing box
• 1 set of instructions

A: To collect cheek cells, you scrape the insides of your cheeks vigorously with a special DNA-collection swab. With this kind of sample, the less saliva, the better! To prevent collecting too much saliva, you want to avoid scraping the gum areas. If the swabs seem too wet to put in the paper envelopes, just wave them in the air for a few moments. To collect DNA via saliva, spit in the cup provided.

A: It is a stabilizing agent that keeps the DNA from degrading during the time it’s being mailed to the company for testing.

Anytime you do a home DNA test, you are in joint partnership with the lab that does the analysis for you. Your responsibility is to collect your DNA carefully by following all instructions, and the lab’s responsibility is to follow processes to ensure accurate results. Working together, you can get the answers you’re looking for from your DNA. This process will be easier than you know.

Don’t hesitate to call us at 833-322-3362: Face IT DNA Technology is here to help.
Do you have questions or comments about a Home DNA Test Kit? Share in the comments and we’ll answer.

Face IT DNA Technology has helped thousands find answers to their biological-relationship questions through trusted, accurate, and affordable DNA testing.

Whether you need Face DNA Services or office visit mouth swab test for legal testing. We have you covered.