Specimen Collection and Analysis for Genetic Testing

The EASY ANSWERS DNA test specimen collection kit is designed for pain free specimen collection that is simple to perform. Included with the kit are cotton swabs, specimen labels, a DNA test request form, a chain of custody document, and a return envelope.

The DNA specimens are collected by wiping one of the cotton swabs in the mouth, between the gum and cheek, and then placing that swab into a labeled shipping tube. The shipping tubes contain a specially developed solution that stabilizes the specimen and preserves the DNA until it arrives at the laboratory for DNA analysis. After specimen collection is completed, the DNA specimen and required forms can be mailed to the laboratory for genetic analysis using the enclosed shipping envelope.

Routine laboratory analysis takes 10 to 15 days to complete. Special cases such as some grandparent tests and sibling tests may require more than two weeks to complete the analysis. Test results are issued by standard mail, e-mail, or fax to the person indicated on the test request form. To respect confidentiality results cannot be released over the telephone.

The DNA specimen collection kits can be shipped to locations throughout the world. These DNA test kits are available in three languages, English, Spanish, and Japanese. They are routinely shipped first class mail, but express mail and priority delivery is available for an additional charge upon request.