Question:

What if I mess up my DNA Paternity Test? I ate/drank/brushed my teeth before using the DNA Paternity Test and I don’t want my results to be wrong!

Answer:
Identigene DNA Paternity Tests are very easy to use. Simply rub the swab on the inside of the cheek for several seconds, put the swab in the labeled envelope and mail it off to Identigene.

DNA is extracted from your cheek cells, which are collected when you rub the swab against the inside of your cheek.  Eating, drinking, or brushing your teeth will not change your DNA, but it can make for a messy sample.  While eating and swabbing won’t change your DNA or cause a wrong result, it might mean that you didn’t get enough cheek cells for good DNA extraction; in other words there may not be enough DNA, but it won’t be different DNA.
Once we receive your samples they will be checked to be sure you have collected enough cheek cells for a DNA extraction. If the lab feels that there is not enough DNA present to get a good reading, we will send a recollection kit, at no charge.

That said, there are some things you can do to avoid having to recollect.

First, wait an hour after eating or drinking before using the DNA Paternity test. This will ensure you are collecting the cells from inside your mouth and not turkey sandwich. Also, drinking or brushing your teeth can wash away the loose cells which are what you want to collect with the swab.

Using the swab, rub firmly the inside of the cheek for 10-20 seconds, rotating the swab as you go. It is the loose cells inside your cheek you want to collect, not saliva or blood.

Our experienced DNA test consultants are also available at 888-404-GENE should you have any questions. Or feel free to ask me your paternity test questions on twitter at @askkate.