PROCEDURE FOR BUCCAL (CHEEK) SWAB COLLECTION
We
recommend that you take a buccal swab sample if you
or the person has no, fine or grey hair, or if there
are no visible roots on the hair sample. You
may use hair or swab from each person;
they DO NOT have to send in the same type of samples,
as DNA is the same in every cell in the body.
- Label a paper-bag with name of the
person to be tested Please ensure the same information
is written on the Sample Submission Sheet which you
should have already printed out, (if not, click
here to request paternity document - request
siblings documents - request
twins documents or print dna profile documents).
- Take a brand new toothbrush from its packet and gently
rub the bristled end on the inside of the cheek up and
down for around 4 to 6 seconds.
Using the same toothbrush repeat again, on the inside
of the other cheek.
- Instead
of the toothbrush you can use 3 cotton buds (Q-tips).
You MUST cut the head of one
side of the cotton bud (Q-tip), so we KNOW
which side of the cotton bud contains the DNA!
After you have cut the head of the cotton buds on one
side, hold the handles of 3 cotton buds in one hand
and rub the head of the bud on the inside of the cheek.
Rubbing up and down firmly inside the cheek for at least
10 seconds. Repeat on the other side of the cheek, so
a total of 4 cotton buds per person.
- Immediately place the swabs into the paper
bag (DO NOT use a plastic bag) or paper envelope. This
will enable the swabs to dry out and help preserve the
DNA. From this point the swabs should last several months
or even years.
- Seal paper bag/envelopes and
send, with sample information form and payment to DNA
Solutions Pty Ltd. (click
for locations).