Using the Test Kit

  1. What is the Family Tree DNA test kit? faq id: 425
  2. How do I use the swabs? faq id: 530
  3. My kit was missing a swab or a vial when I received it. How do I get a replacement? faq id: 531
  4. My cheek bled when I did the scraping. Will this affect the sample? faq id: 532
  5. I forgot to wait 4 hours between swabs. Do I need a new test? faq id: 533
  6. I’ve had a blood transfusion, radiation therapy, or surgery recently. Will this affect the sample? faq id: 534
  7. I have been sick. Will this affect the sample? faq id: 1356

Questions and Answers

  1. What is the Family Tree DNA test kit? faq id: 425

    Kit
    (+) Enlarge    The Family Tree DNA test kit is the collection kit used for our DNA tests. A kit is for use by one person. It consists of two swabs, two tubes, instructions, and the release form.

    Each swab has a cotton 'toothed' tip. Using it feels like brushing your inner cheek with your toothbrush. A good scrape produces lots of DNA. This makes the DNA extraction process easier. It also decreases the chance that you will need to redo your sample.

    The tubes contain a fluid that prevents bacteria growth. Thus, you can test and return your kit in any type of weather (hot or cold). Your sample will remain fresh and intact for months.

    The prior industry standard was the dry preservation method. It worked without the fluid. However, in humid climates, the swab tip was prone to bacteria growth. We have many international customers. Therefore, we have chosen a universal collection kit.

    Your kit has instructions for collecting your DNA sample. They are available in many languages. It also has the release form. The release form allows us to share your name and e-mail address with your matches.

    See also: How do I use the swabs?

  2. How do I use the swabs? faq id: 530

    Here are directions for using a cheek scraper:

    1. Wait at least one hour after eating or drinking.
    2. Wash your hands.
    3. Remove the scraper from the packaging.
    4. Insert the swab end of the scraper into your mouth. Hold the scraper at the opposite end.
    5. Rub the swab end of the scraper on the inside of your cheek. You may rub up and down, back and forth, or in circles. You may change the direction you rub at any time. Be sure that the part you are rubbing against your cheek is the swab rather than the plastic rod behind it.
    6. Rub gently for about a minute. You may rub for 30 seconds in one cheek and then 30 seconds in the other.
    7. Once the minute is up, remove the scraper from your mouth.
    8. Open one of the vials by twisting off the cap. Set it upright so that the liquid inside does not spill out.
    9. Insert the swab end of the scraper into the vial.
    10. Hold the scraper in the middle and push down on the handle end. This will push out the swab so that it is loose in the vial.
    11. Twist the vial's cap shut. Please be sure that it is shut tightly so that it will not leak. You may throw away the scraper handle.

    You should wait at least 4 hours before performing the second scraping. Many people prefer to swab on two consecutive days. This gives your cheeks time to recover. The time you spend on obtaining high quality swabs ensures great results and plentiful stored DNA sample for years to come.

  3. My kit was missing a swab or a vial when I received it. How do I get a replacement? faq id: 531

    If you are missing a scraper or vial when you receive your kit, please please use our feedback form to contact customer service. Include your kit number, and we will have a replacement item sent to you the next business day.

  4. My cheek bled when I did the scraping. Will this affect the sample? faq id: 532

    While we appreciate your enthusiasm it is not necessary to scrape so hard. We do not encourage you to draw blood. However, blood is an excellent carrier of your DNA, and we can still use the sample even if contains a small amount of blood.

  5. I forgot to wait 4 hours between swabs. Do I need a new test? faq id: 533

    If this happened, please go ahead and send us the samples! Generally we ask that people wait 4 hours between swabs. This gives your cheeks time to recover and helps to give the lab a good backup sample in case the first one does not yield results. However, we are usually able to get a good swab regardless of whether you have waited the 4 hours or not. If we are unable to get a clear result from the samples provided, we will send you replacement scrapers.

  6. I’ve had a blood transfusion, radiation therapy, or surgery recently. Will this affect the sample? faq id: 534

    We recommend waiting one week after having serious surgery or radiation therapy before taking a sample. We suggest waiting 1-2 weeks after a blood transfusion as well. However, even if you take the sample right away, the medical treatment you have had should not affect the sample, and we will be able to get a good result.

    The only medical situation that would be of concern would be if you have had to have facial reconstruction surgery and you have had skin grafts from a donor implanted into your mouth. In this case, please call our office, telephone 1-713-868-1438, and discuss the best way to get a sample.

  7. I have been sick. Will this affect the sample? faq id: 1356

    Most illnesses will not affect your DNA and therefore will not affect your ability to test. However, if you have or have recently had an illness that has required antibiotics such as strep throat (Group A Streptococcus), you should wait until you are fully recovered before testing. Doing so will ensure that your samples contain your DNA and not that of the bacteria that caused the illness.