HOW IS MY DNA SAMPLE ACTUALLY COLLECTED?

 

You might be wondering exactly how the actual sample for a Y-DNA test is collected.  It depends somewhat on the test lab but basically, it as simple as brushing your teeth.  There is no collection of blood or hair, no doctors or nurses are involved, and no visit is required to DNA collection specialists.  You do not have to go anywhere.  (The procedures described here are for a specific DNA test lab, but most labs use very similar collection procedures.) 

 

Once you sign up for a DNA surname project and agree to be tested, the test laboratory will send you (via postal mail, a sealed package).  In the package will be a small test kit containing three sterile-packed small sticks with swabs on the end (that look like oversized Q-Tips).  These are for taking three separate DNA samples. 

 

*Before taking the samples, you must refrain from eating, teeth brushing, or drinking milky drinks for at least two hours prior to the test.  The first stick/swab is rubbed on one side of the mouth, the second swab is rubbed on the other side of the mouth, and a few hours later, the third swab is rubbed on both sides of the mouth to collect your DNA samples.  (The purpose of rubbing the swab inside your cheek is actually to collect buccal cells, which contain your DNA.) 

 

The sticks are then placed in a Swabs Envelope and allowed to dry for a couple of hours.  Then, the swabs are placed in a pre-addressed envelope (along with a signed consent form for the testing) and mailed via Airmail to the test lab.  It’s a very simple, painless procedure that only requires a few minutes of your time (other than waiting between eating and taking the first samples and for taking the last buccal sample).

 

Once the lab analyzes your DNA samples, they will send you a detailed test report, explaining what they’ve found.  You will then compare these test results with others in your Denny line (on a Denny DNA Surname web site) to see if your DNA test markers match.  You would look at the number of STR’s or Short Tandem Repeats for each of the markers and if they match completely, you share a common ancestor.  If all of the markers do not match, the closeness of a relationship (or lack thereof) can generally be determined by the number of matching markers.

 

                        SPECIFIC STEPS TO TAKE A GOOD DNA SAMPLE

                                                  ADHERE TO * ABOVE

 

1. Take inventory of contents of your test kit.
2. Read over instructions a couple of times to insure you understand the process.
3. Read, sign, and date the consent form.
4. Wash hands thoroughly
5. Lay out the paper Swabs Envelope on a table with envelope flaps open.
6. Open up the swab package by pulling outward on the cellophane at the “handle” end and remove one swab by the handle, DO NOT TOUCH the swab tip or let it touch anything else during the swab process except your mouth.
7. Vigorously scrape the inside wall of one side of your mouth horizontally (in a back and forth motion) for at least 30 seconds. Rotate the swab while doing this so that the whole surface of the swab has been in contact with your mouth.
8. Place the used swab directly into the paper Swabs Envelope (do NOT place it back in the original swabs packaging as this promotes bacterial growth and prevents the test from working).
9. Repeat the collection process with the second swab using the other side of your mouth. Place the swab in the Swabs Envelope, but don’t seal it just yet.
10. After a few hours, you can then use the third swab, this time on both sides of the mouth per instructions in 7 above. Place this third swab in the Swabs Envelope also.
11. Seal all three swabs in the Swabs Envelope. Let any moisture evaporate naturally for a couple of hours.
12. Place the Swabs Envelope and the Consent Form in the return-addressed envelope and mail back to DNA Heritage either in the UK or in Utah. Samples posted to the Utah Address will be analyzed more quickly and should be sent by Priority Mail.