At Brashan DNA Services, we know that when you decide to take a DNA test, it’s usually because you need answers: and you need them fast. Whether you're confirming a biological relationship for your own curiosity or trying to settle a long-standing family question, a "Peace of Mind" test is often the first step people take. It’s convenient, it’s private, and it can be done right from the comfort of your own home.
However, because these tests are "at-home" kits, it’s easy to treat them a bit too casually. We’ve seen many clients run into hurdles because of simple errors made during the process. To help you get the most accurate results possible, we’ve put together this series. In Part 1, we’re diving into the first three major mistakes people make when ordering and performing a Peace of Mind DNA test.
If you have questions while reading or want to get started right away, you can always reach our team at +442046204341.
Mistake #1: Not Researching the Testing Provider
It’s tempting to just go for the cheapest kit you find on a random marketplace. But when it comes to your DNA, "cheap" can be very expensive in the long run. One of the biggest mistakes we see is people choosing a provider without checking their credentials.
DNA testing is a high-precision science. If the laboratory isn’t properly accredited, how can you trust the result? At Brashan DNA Services, we prioritize accuracy above all else. You should always look for a provider that uses ISO 17025 accredited laboratories. This accreditation is the gold standard for testing and calibration laboratories, ensuring that the results produced are technically valid and reliable.
Without this, you might receive a result that is "90% accurate," which in the world of DNA, is actually quite low. A high-quality test should give you a probability of paternity or relationship of 99.9% or higher (for inclusions) or 0% (for exclusions).
Another part of researching your provider is checking where their office is located and how they handle your data. You want a company that is transparent about their privacy policy and how they store your genetic information.
Image Description: A professional Black female scientist in a lab coat reviewing DNA data on a computer screen. In the top right-hand corner of the image, the Brashan DNA Services logo is clearly visible.
Mistake #2: Ignoring the Pre-Test Preparation Rules
The "Peace of Mind" test usually involves a simple buccal swab: that’s a fancy term for rubbing a cotton swab on the inside of your cheek. It sounds easy enough, right? But there are strict rules about what you can and cannot do before taking that swab.
The most common error is eating, drinking, or smoking too close to the time of collection. Why does this matter? If you’ve just had a cup of coffee or a sandwich, remnants of food or drink can contaminate the swab. While it won't change your DNA, it can "mask" it or degrade the sample, making it impossible for the lab to extract a clean DNA profile.
What you should do:
- Wait at least 30 to 60 minutes: Before taking the sample, ensure you haven’t eaten, drunk anything (except water), smoked, or chewed gum for at least an hour.
- Rinse with water: For babies, if they have recently been breastfed or had a bottle, give them a little water to drink to clear any milk residue from their mouth before swabbing.
- Don't touch the swab tip: Your fingers have their own DNA. If you touch the cotton end of the swab, you’ve just contaminated the sample.
If a sample is contaminated, we usually have to ask for a re-test. This delays your results and can be frustrating. To avoid this, we recommend reading our frequently asked questions or checking the instructions in our express testing kits thoroughly before you start.
Image Description: A Black father gently performing a cheek swab on his young son at home. Both are smiling and the atmosphere is calm. The Brashan DNA Services logo is placed in the top right-hand corner.
Mistake #3: Overlooking the Importance of Consent
Even though a "Peace of Mind" test isn't for a court of law, it is still a legal and ethical requirement in the UK to have proper consent. Under the Human Tissue Act 2004, it is a criminal offense to have human tissue (including DNA) with the intention of testing it without the consent of the person it came from.
A major mistake people make is trying to perform a "secret" test. We occasionally get calls from people asking if they can send in a used toothbrush, a hairbrush, or a piece of clothing. At Brashan DNA Services, we strongly advise against this for two reasons:
- Reliability: Discrete samples like hair or toothbrushes are much less reliable than a fresh cheek swab.
- Consent: Each person being tested (or their legal guardian) must sign a consent form.
Without a signed consent form, we cannot process the test. This applies to grandparent DNA testing, sibling DNA testing, and all other relationship tests. Trying to bypass this step not only stalls the process but could also lead to legal complications.
If you’re unsure who needs to sign for a child or how to handle a sensitive family situation regarding consent, give us a call at +442046204341. We’re here to guide you through the process respectfully and legally.
Image Description: A Black woman sitting at a desk, carefully reading through a consent form for a DNA test. She looks thoughtful and empowered. The Brashan DNA Services logo is in the top right-hand corner.
Why Quality Matters for Your Peace of Mind
The phrase "Peace of Mind" isn't just a marketing term; it’s what we want you to feel when you get your results. If you skip the research, mess up the preparation, or ignore the consent rules, you won't actually get peace of mind: you’ll get more questions.
When you choose Brashan DNA Services, you’re choosing a partner that understands the weight of these results. We offer a variety of services, from paternity tests to uncle/aunt testing, ensuring that no matter your family structure, we can help you find the truth.
How to Get Started the Right Way
If you’re ready to move forward, the process is straightforward:
- Select your test: Browse our products and pick the one that fits your needs.
- Order your kit: We’ll ship an express testing kit to your door in discreet packaging.
- Follow the instructions: Use the tips above to ensure a clean sample.
- Send it back: Use the provided return envelope to get your samples to our lab.
By avoiding these first three mistakes, you’re already halfway to a successful result. In Part 2 of this series, we’ll be discussing the remaining four mistakes, including the difference between peace of mind and legal tests, and why the "chain of custody" is a term you need to know.
Need Help Now?
Don't let uncertainty linger. If you’re confused about which test you need: whether it’s to confirm a common paternal lineage or to assist with a DNA test for immigration: our team is ready to assist.
You can reach us directly at +442046204341 or visit our contact page to send us a message. We are committed to providing you with the most accurate, trustworthy, and fast service in the UK.
Stay tuned for Part 2, where we’ll talk about what happens once your sample hits the lab and how to interpret those complex-looking results!
Brashan DNA Services
Erase Doubt. Confirm the Truth.
https://brashandna.com
Phone: +442046204341
