How to Do DNA Testing
Genetic testing to check disease risk and private DNA testing to determine biological relationships are as simple as collecting a sample with the testing kit sent to your designated location and mailing it back, allowing you to take the test privately.
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1. Request & Purchase Kit
You can request a test directly from this website or consult with our DNA and genetic specialists via our toll-free number.
Testing kits purchased within business hours are shipped on the same day via express mail.
Testing kits purchased within business hours are shipped on the same day via express mail.
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2. Receiving the Testing Kit
Everything you need for the test, including a postage-paid return envelope, is enclosed in the testing kit, so there is no need to prepare any separate documents or materials.
We can also ship to post office pickup (poste restante) or to an address other than your home. It is also possible to change the sender name to an individual name or change the package content description to 'Catalog' or similar.
We can also ship to post office pickup (poste restante) or to an address other than your home. It is also possible to change the sender name to an individual name or change the package content description to 'Catalog' or similar.
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3. Sample Collection
Using the testing swabs enclosed in the kit, gently rub the inside of your cheek for 10 seconds. In addition to swabs, testing is also possible with alternative samples such as hair or a toothbrush. *1
*1: Legal DNA testing for submission to courts, immigration, etc., requires oral fluid (buccal swabs) only.
Additionally, an in-person witness by our specialized staff is required at one of our over 200 partner law offices nationwide.
Additionally, an in-person witness by our specialized staff is required at one of our over 200 partner law offices nationwide.
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4. Returning the Samples
Place the samples in the return envelope and drop it into a mailbox.
We will begin the testing as soon as the samples arrive at our lab, and report the results once complete.
Round-trip shipping is free. Since the return postage is covered by us, there is no need to attach stamps.
Round-trip shipping is free. Since the return postage is covered by us, there is no need to attach stamps.
Safe to test
even for newborn babies.
The most common sample used in genetic testing and DNA testing is a swab rubbed gently inside the mouth.
Simply rub the inside of the cheek for about 10 seconds with the testing swab included in the kit to obtain enough DNA for over 20 tests.
Because sterile medical swabs are used, there is no pain. Testing can be done even on the day of birth.
Simply rub the inside of the cheek for about 10 seconds with the testing swab included in the kit to obtain enough DNA for over 20 tests.
Because sterile medical swabs are used, there is no pain. Testing can be done even on the day of birth.
How to Collect
[Buccal Swab] Samples
Step 1
Take out two sterile cotton swabs at the same time.
Step 2
Gently press the two designated swabs against the inside of the cheek and move them up and down/left and right about 10 times to collect cells.
*It is best to dry them in a room out of direct sunlight for about half a day, but if you are in a hurry, you can dry them with warm air from a hairdryer for about 5 minutes.
Step 3
To ensure the tips of the swabs do not touch anything else, carefully place them back in the paper envelope, put them in the return envelope, and drop it in the mail.
*Dry swabs can be stored at room temperature for about two weeks.
*The video mentions '4 swabs per person' in '1. Buccal Swab Collection Method', but the correct amount is '2 swabs per person'.
This is a 4-minute instructional video explaining how to collect buccal swab samples.
| 0:00~ What is a sample? (Explanation) |
| 0:40~ How to collect buccal swab samples |
| 2:05~ Alternative samples (special samples) |
| 2:38~ Example: Storing and returning toothbrushes |
| 3:10~ Blood collection (prenatal DNA test) |
Testing Possible with Toothbrushes or Hair
If collecting buccal swab samples is difficult, you can also use alternative samples such as toothbrushes or cigarette butts.
*Using samples other than buccal swabs requires additional fees and processing time.
Precautions for Sample Collection
- If moisture remains on the swabs, microorganisms may grow and degrade the DNA. Please ensure they are completely dry before returning.
- For samples that cannot be mailed dry, such as liquids or raw tissues, please return them via frozen delivery.
- If storing collected samples for a long period (over 2 weeks for buccal swabs, over 2 days for liquid samples like semen), store them at -20°C or lower.
- Please ensure hands or other objects do not touch the tip of the swab where the sample was collected.
- Each participant has a unique ID labeled on the kit. Complete the sample collection for one person before moving on to the next.
- If other people's samples (cells) or bacteria contaminate the swab, accurate results cannot be obtained.
Testing is Completed Entirely by Mail
For private testing for personal peace of mind, the test is completed entirely by mailing the kit back and forth. No identity verification documents are required.
For legal testing intended for mediation or court proceedings, participants must visit one of our partner law offices, and sample collection is performed in the presence of a legal witness.
Please refer to the following page for details on legal testing witnesses.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q.How is the DNA test performed? Can I do it at home?
A.
It is completed entirely at home by mail. There are 4 steps. ① Request a testing kit on our website or by phone, ② rub the inside of the cheek for 10 seconds with the enclosed swab to collect the sample, ③ place it in the return envelope and mail it, and ④ testing starts once samples arrive and results are reported. For private tests, no ID is required, and round-trip shipping is free (1).
Q.Is there any pain in collecting DNA samples? Is it safe for babies?
A.
There is no pain. Simply rub the inside of the cheek gently for about 10 seconds using a sterile medical swab. Since there is no physical burden, testing can be safely conducted on newborn babies. A single collection provides enough DNA for more than 20 tests.
Q.Can DNA testing be performed with samples other than cotton swabs?
A.
Yes, it is possible. If collecting a buccal swab is difficult, testing can be done with alternative samples such as a toothbrush, hair, or cigarette butts. However, using samples other than buccal swabs requires additional fees and days. Note that only buccal swabs can be used for legal DNA tests submitted to courts or immigration (2).
Q.Is privacy respected when receiving the DNA testing kit?
A.
We support post office pickup (poste restante), shipping to other addresses, and sender name changes. You can change the sender name to an individual name or list the package contents as 'Catalog'. Since everything needed for testing, including the return envelope, is included in the kit, you do not need to prepare anything separately.
Q.What is the difference between private and legal DNA testing methods?
A.
Private testing is completed entirely by mail, and no ID is required. On the other hand, for legal testing submitted to courts or mediation, participants must visit one of our over 200 partner law offices nationwide and collect buccal swab samples in the presence of a legal witness (3).