The DNA Paternity Test Kit: How Do I Use It?

Nowadays, companies can establish paternity using a simple saliva sample collected with a paternity DNA test kit.  In the past, samples were collected using blood as this was the sample that would provide enough DNA to conclude a test such as a paternity test.

How do I Collect Saliva Samples?

First of all, saliva DNA samples have many advantages as saliva is painless and simple to collect.

Samples are collected by means of an oral/buccal swab. A swab is a small lump of cotton wrapped around a rod made of plastic or wood. Mouth swabs are of course sterile and sealed into long, narrow paper envelopes.

Once you have you swabs all you have to do is rub them in the inside of the mouth. By doing this you are collecting cheek cells which will detach themselves in thousands from the side of your mouth as your rub the swab around. Saliva samples are extremely accurate and offer very high success rates.

One great advantage of mouth swabs is that they are painless and any children taking part in the test will be absolutely indifferent to the swab being rubbed inside their mouth.

The Home DNA Paternity test Kit

Most DNA testing companies have created their own ‘home-kit’ which allows all parties taking part in the test to collect their own DNA samples in the comfort of their own home. The swabs are usually placed in coloured envelopes, making it clear to each person involved in the test which is their envelope. Once sample have been collected they are returned to their original envelopes and sent back to the company for laboratory analysis.

With the ‘home-kit’ there is always included a submission form (different companies may refer to this form by a different name). The submission form requires all participants to fill in some basic details about themselves and to add their signature. Children who are under the legal age of consent can have one of their legal guardian sign instead of them.

Paternity Testing Alternatives to Saliva Samples: Discreet DNA Samples

In some instances you may not be able to collect saliva samples, for examples, in a paternity test, the alleged father may be deceased. In such cases you can use discreet DNA samples such as nails or hairs belonging to the deceased.

Infidelity testing also requires the use of discreet samples, such as a used condom or a dirty Kleenex.
However, discreet sample are used only in very specific cases when a DNA saliva samples are not available.

Clearing paternity issues has never been easier and being able to collect your own samples for your test or any other test with a home DNA paternity test kit alleviates much of the stress and complications of having to go through clinics or hospitals.