The DNA sampling pack we will send to you contains comprehensive instructions for collecting and dispatching a DNA sample using buccal cheek swabs.

It is important that you follow the instructions carefully and return the DNA samples with payment, using the reply envelope you will find in the DNA testing kit. If you wish to have your DNA samples taken professionally we can arrange for this to be done either at your home, or a local Doctors surgery at extra cost.

The home collection of DNA samples involves utilising a special swab (like an oversized cotton bud) that is rotated on the inside of the cheek to collect the cells resident there. This swab is then placed, (carefully to avoid contamination) within the provided DNA sample collection envelope which is securely sealed and returned to us for analysis at our laboratories. At this time we will ask you to provide sufficient information so that we can ensure your file is unique and we can honour our responsibilities under the Data Protection Act.

Click a link to take you to the instructions for that DNA test:

Peace of Mind DNA Test (Back to top)

1. Do not drink coffee or tea, or use tobacco products for 4 hours prior to sampling. Samples containing coffee, tea or tobacco residues may not process properly!
2. Wash your hands and rinse subject’s mouth three times with warm water. (For infants - allow them to drink water from a bottle or wait 2 hours from last feeding)
3. Take the first pair of swabs, which are to be used to collect the alleged father’s DNA sample. Remove the first swab from the sterile packaging, taking care not to touch the tip of the swab. Collect cheek cells by rolling the tip of the DNA sample collection swab firmly on the inside of both cheeks (30 times each or for about 1 minute). Be certain to move the swab over the entire inner cheek surfaces. This action should be firm but not aggressive and should cause no discomfort.
4. Repeat this process for the same individual with the second swab. You must submit two swabs per person.
5. Allow the swabs to air dry at room temperature for at least 15 minutes.
6. Place the used swabs in the blue envelope marked ‘alleged father’ (do not put back in plastic packaging) and ensure that you clearly complete and sign the details required on the outside of the envelope. Be sure to seal the envelope firmly.
7. Take the second pair of swabs, which are to be used to collect the child’s DNA sample and repeat the sample collection process (steps 3-5).
8. Place the 2nd pair of used swabs in the green envelope marked ‘child 1’ (do not put back in plastic packaging) and ensure that you clearly complete and sign the details required on the outside of the envelope. Be sure to seal the envelope firmly.
9. Repeat the sample collection process if you are requesting analysis of a second (or more) child’s DNA.

Court Approved DNA Test (Back to top)

Arranging your sampling appointment(s)

1. Choose a sampler. To comply with current legislation, samples must be taken by a health professional. You may either ask your GP or another local doctor. Alternatively, we may be able to suggest a doctor in your area, please contact us for details. Please note that the doctor may charge a fee for taking the DNA sample and this should be negotiated when making an appointment. The doctor’s fee is not included in International Bioscience’s charge.
2. Once you have arranged an appointment with your chosen doctor, complete and return the registration forms to us, together with your payment, and we will send the DNA testing kit direct to the sampler. You should allow at least seven days for your paperwork to reach us and for the DNA testing kit to reach your chosen doctor.
3. You will need to take two full-faced, passport-sized photographs of each person to be tested (including children) and current identification (passport or photo driving licence and utility bill) with you to the appointment for identification purposes.

*IMPORTANT NOTICE: The sampler may charge you if you fail to keep an appointment without giving notice.

Collecting your DNA sample

1. The doctor will verify identification and sign the back of the photographs to confirm they are a true likeness of the person to be sampled as follows: “I, doctor’s name, confirm that this photograph is a true likeness of donor’s name”, date, doctor’s signature.
2. Do not drink coffee or tea, or use tobacco products for 4 hours prior to sampling. Samples containing coffee, tea or tobacco residues may not process properly!
3. Wash your hands and rinse subject’s mouth three times with warm water. (For infants - allow them to drink water from a bottle or wait 2 hours from last feeding)
4. Take the first pair of swabs, which are to be used to collect the alleged father’s DNA sample. Remove the first swab from the sterile packaging, taking care not to touch the tip of the swab. Collect cheek cells by rolling the tip of the sample collection swab firmly on the inside of both cheeks (30 times each or for about 1 minute). Be certain to move the swab over the entire inner cheek surfaces. This action should be firm but not aggressive and should cause no discomfort.
5. Repeat this process for the same individual with the second swab. You must submit two swabs per person.
6. Allow the swabs to air dry at room temperature for at least 15 minutes.
7. Place the used swabs in the blue envelope marked ‘alleged father’ (do not put back in plastic packaging) and ensure that you clearly complete and sign the details required on the outside of the envelope. Be sure to seal the envelope firmly.
8. Take the second pair of swabs, which are to be used to collect the child’s DNA sample and repeat the sample collection process (steps 3-5).
9. Place the 2nd pair of used swabs in the green envelope marked ‘child 1’ (do not put back in plastic packaging) and ensure that you clearly complete and sign the details required on the outside of the envelope. Be sure to seal the envelope firmly.
10. Repeat the sample collection process if you are requesting analysis of a second (or more) child’s DNA.

DNA Test For Immigration (Back to top)

Follow the steps as per the Court Approved DNA Test above.

For immigration cases where one or more applicants currently reside outside the UK, DNA samples must be taken at the British Embassy in that country. When completing the registration form, please provide a contact name, address and reference number for the relevant embassy.

Ancestry by DNA Test (Back to top)

1. Do not drink coffee or tea, or use tobacco products for 4 hours prior to sampling. Samples containing coffee, tea or tobacco residues may not process properly!
2. Wash your hands and rinse your mouth three times with warm water.
3. Remove the first swab from the sterile packaging, taking care not to touch the tip of the swab. Scrape the inside of your right cheek with the serrated side of the swab tip. Use an up and down motion with moderate pressure (20 times or for about 30 seconds). Be certain to move the swab over the entire inner cheek surface and take care not to depress the plunger that ejects the tip. This action should be firm but not aggressive and should cause no discomfort.
4. Repeat this process with the second swab on the left cheek. You must submit two swabs per person.
5. Allow the swabs to air dry at room temperature for at least 15 minutes.
6. Place the used swabs in the purple envelope marked ‘other 1’ (do not put back in plastic packaging) and ensure that you clearly complete and sign the details required on the outside of the envelope. Be sure to seal the envelope firmly.
7. Repeat process 2 to 5 if you are requesting analysis of a second (or more) person’s DNA.