Choosing an at home paternity kit is the first step toward clarity. However, simple collection errors can delay your results or necessitate a retest. At Brashan DNA Services, we provide same-day results in the UK, but accuracy depends on your precision. Follow these instructions to ensure your peace of mind dna test is successful.
Why must I avoid eating before the test?
Do not eat, drink, smoke, or chew gum for at least 1 hour before sampling. Consuming food or liquids (including breast milk for infants) leaves debris in the mouth. This debris "masks" the DNA on your cheek cells. Rinse your mouth with water 15 minutes before swabbing if you have recently eaten.
How hard should I rub the swab?
Rub the swab firmly against the inside of each cheek for 20–30 seconds. A common mistake is "spitting" on the swab. We require cheek cells, not just saliva. Apply enough pressure to see the cheek bulge slightly from the outside. Use all swabs provided in the paternity test uk kit to guarantee a high DNA yield.
What happens if I touch the cotton tip?
Keep your fingers off the cotton tip at all times. Touching the tip transfers your DNA onto another person's sample, causing contamination. Hold the swab only by the plastic handle. If a tip touches a table or any surface, discard it and call us at +447360536054 for a replacement.
Can I put all swabs in one envelope?
Place each person’s swabs in their own designated envelope. Never mix swabs from the father and child in the same pouch. This leads to cross-contamination, making the samples unreadable. Seal each envelope immediately after labeling.
Should I seal the swabs immediately?
Allow swabs to air-dry for at least 10 minutes before sealing them in the paper envelope. Putting wet swabs into a sealed environment encourages mold growth, which destroys DNA. Avoid using plastic bags; the paper envelopes provided allow the samples to breathe.
Is an at-home kit valid for court?
Confirm your requirements before ordering. A standard at-home kit is for personal knowledge only. If you require results for court, the Home Office, or birth certificate changes, you must order a legal paternity test uk. These require a "chain of custody" where an independent professional verifies identities. For visa issues, use our immigration dna testing uk service.
Why is the paperwork so important?
Complete every field on the consent forms. We cannot process samples without signed consent from all adults and the legal guardian of any minors. Check that dates of birth and names match the labels on the envelopes.
Reach our laboratory by 10:00 AM for express processing. For urgent help or to book a prenatal dna test, call Brashan DNA Services at +447360536054.
