How to take DNA samples: 11 Steps (with Photo) - tips

Video: How To Better Screen for Male DNA in Sexual Assault Samples

Content

Steps
Advice
What you need

There are many reasons why you might want to have DNA samples from you or a loved one. There are currently many home DNA collection kits available for purposes such as paternity determination, genealogy determination or genetic screening for disease. Many law enforcement agencies also encourage parents to take DNA samples from their children for identification purposes. There are many ways to collect DNA samples, some of which are painless and non-invasive. Depending on the type of sample, the DNA can be stored for many years if handled properly.

Steps

Part 1 of 3: Know what you need

Determine if you need a DNA sampling kit. This depends on what your sampling purpose is. You may need to purchase a kit if you want to get the test results from a DNA sample. You may not need a kit if you just want to preserve the DNA sample just in case, but you can still buy one if you prefer.
- The DNA collection kit has all the necessary equipment, with a complete guide and a consent form required for DNA sample testing, or for record keeping by authorities.
Check legal requirements. In most cases, you are not allowed to have a DNA sample at home if the test results are used in court. A home DNA sample to test paternity can tell you the results, but you will need to go to the lab to have a DNA sample taken by the examiner if you need to go to court regarding custody. or support.
Determine the correct type of test piece. If you are using a kit, there will be a description of the sample to be collected in it.If you plan to send the test sample to the lab without using the kit, ask the staff there what kind of samples they need.
- Most kits require an inner-cheek cotton or saliva sample. Hair is also a popular prototype.
- DNA samples can be taken from virtually any part of the body, including nails, blood, semen, and saliva-contaminated objects such as gum. However, some samples are easier to obtain DNA than others. If you get an inappropriate sample, the lab may not be able to obtain DNA, or it may cost more.
advertisement

Part 2 of 3: Keep the test piece intact

Do not touch the test piece. Regardless of the type of test specimen, do not touch or place it on an infectious surface. This is especially important if you take a sample of someone else's DNA, as it is possible that your own DNA accidentally got onto the sample.
- Wash hands thoroughly before handling, and always use gloves.
Use sterile tools. If sampling requires cotton swabs, tweezers or fingernails, you should disinfect the tools and avoid touching the part that comes in contact with the test piece.
- You can disinfect metal tools with alcohol or boil them in water.
Store the test sample in a clean, dry container. The test kit contains sample containers with instructions on how to store the samples.
- Paper envelopes are the best container for most liquid-free test pieces. Do not leave hair samples or cotton soaked in saliva in plastic bags, as plastic bags retain moisture and can damage DNA.
- If you store the test sample in an envelope, do not lick the edges, as the test sample may be contaminated.
- If you plan to save the sample for future use, you will need to include the name of the owner, date of collection, and the name of the person who took the sample.
- Store the test piece in a dry place away from chemicals and extreme high or low temperatures.
Follow packing and shipping instructions. The instructions in the kit are very clear, so follow the instructions exactly if using the kit. If you plan to send the test sample to the lab without using the kit, you must understand the shipping instructions. advertisement

Part 3 of 3: Sampling

Use cotton to absorb the inside of the cheek. With the sample taken inside the cheek, rub the inside of the cheek with a sterile cotton ball for about one minute. Rubbing hard, but not to the point of pain. Continue blotting for at least 30-60 seconds. When finished, make sure the cotton tip does not touch any surfaces other than the inside of the mouth and inside of the container.
- Sampling kits usually require two or more cotton samples, in case one sample contains no DNA. However, you can still get many cotton samples even without the kit. To increase the amount of DNA collected, you should take two (or more) samples from both cheeks, or take several hours apart.
- Do not eat or drink anything other than water, do not smoke or chew gum, do not brush your teeth or use mouthwash for at least an hour before taking the sample.
- Rinse mouth with warm water 10 minutes before blotting. If taking samples from children, you will need to give them water in their own bottle before collecting the sample.
- Let the cotton dry before storing.
Pluck about 10-20 strands of hair. When taking hair samples, make sure you have enough hair follicles, and a small white bulb at the roots.
- Do not get hair on combs or clothes. Cut out hair is also unusable.
- Do not touch the follicles at the hairline.
- You may experience pain with hair sampling, especially if the hair is shiny and firm.
Sampling saliva. The best way to obtain a saliva sample is to place it in the sample container. If you use a kit, which may contain sponges to help you get a sample of your baby's saliva.
- Do not eat or drink anything other than water, do not smoke or chew gum, do not brush your teeth or use mouthwash for at least an hour before taking the sample.
- Rinse mouth with warm water 10 minutes prior to sampling to remove any food debris that may remain in the mouth. If taking samples from children, you will need to give them water in their own bottle before collecting the sample.
Take other samples with the same care. If you plan to take less common samples such as fingernails, blood or semen, take great care not to touch or contaminate the sample. Talk to the lab about your sample submission plan to make sure they can get DNA from the samples you have collected. advertisement