Please ensure that you carefully follow the instructions included in your DNA Paternity Test kit for collecting your samples. Failure to collect the sample correctly can lead to testing delays, the need to recollect the sample, or no results.
If you need help at any point during your collection, please contact our Client Support Team.
Sample Collection Instructions
Begin by activating your test kit at www.genetrace.com. The laboratory cannot process your samples if your kit is not activated.
Do not eat, drink, brush, chew gum, breastfeed, smoke or put anything into the mouth for at least 1 hour before sample collection.
Step 1: Prepare Supplies
Take out the supplies from inside your kit and arrange them neatly on a clean surface. You will have supplies to collect two (2) swabs each from the alleged father and child.
Step 2: Complete the Donor Information and Consent Form
Each person must complete the form on the back of their specimen envelope. Testing may not proceed if the form is incomplete.
Step 3: Open a buccal swab package
Wash and dry your hands, then tear open a buccal swab package. Each package contains two buccal swabs. Carefully remove a swab by holding the swab by the stick.
Step 4: Collect two swabs, one from each cheek
Scrape and rotate the swab vigorously on the inside of the right cheek of the appropriate individual for at least 30 seconds, then place the swab directly into the correct specimen envelope. Repeat using the second swab on the same individual, this time on the left cheek.
Step 5: Allow swabs to dry completely
Allow the swabs to air dry inside the specimen envelope at room temperature for at least 30 minutes, then seal the specimen envelope. If you do not allow the swabs to dry completely, the DNA will degrade and the test will not work.
Step 6: Seal specimen envelope
After the swabs have dried completely, seal the specimen envelope. Make sure that the specimen envelope has been clearly labeled with the name of the donor and the form on the back of the specimen envelope has been completed and signed.
Step 7: Repeat steps 2–6 for the next individual
Collect two buccal swabs from each individual by repeating steps 2 to 6 using the appropriate color coded specimen envelope and swabs. Once you are finished collecting all the samples, place the specimen envelopes back into the original box.
![]()
Important Collection Tips
Use only the swabs provided in this kit.
Do not use your own swabs. Testing will not proceed if you submit different swabs that were not provided in the kit.
Collect two swabs for each individual being tested.
If you only send back only 1 out of the 2 swabs for an individual, testing may not proceed.
Collect the alleged father's sample from the alleged father only.
If the alleged father is not available for testing and you need to test a relative such as siblings or parents, please contact our Client Support Team. They can provide information on alternative test options, such as a Sibling Test, Grandparent Test, or Aunt/Uncle Test. Please note that additional fees may apply.
Place the swabs into the correct specimen envelope.
Do not mix up the samples. To prevent sample mix-up, collect from one person at a time and write their name clearly on the specimen envelope.
Wait until the swabs are completely dry before sealing the envelope.
DNA is best preserved when the swabs are dry. If the swabs are not dry when you seal the envelope, the DNA might break down, and we won't get accurate results.
Don't put anything in your mouth for at least 1 hour before collecting the sample.
This means no eating, drinking, breastfeeding, chewing gum, smoking, or brushing your teeth. If you do any of these things within 1 hour before collecting the sample, we might not have enough cheek cells for the test.
Fill out and sign the back of the specimen envelope.
Testing may not proceed if the form is incomplete.
Return samples for testing within 3 months of sample collection.
You must activate your kit at www.genetrace.com.
If you don't activate your kit, our laboratory will not be able to test your samples.
The paternity test kit is designed for private, personal use only. If you need a chain-of-custody test for legal proceedings, please contact our Client Support Team. They will assist you in changing the test type accordingly. Please be aware that additional fees may apply.