DNA Test – Sampling Your own DNA
Since a DNA test often requires you to take your own sample, you should make sure you do it properly.
Due to the cost of processing a DNA test you are unlikely to be offered a test on the NHS except in unusual circumstances. If you want to undergo a DNA test for peace of mind, to establish paternity or as part of a legal process, you will need to find a private clinic that can help.
DNA test - why take my own sample?
In most cases it is more cost-effective to use a postal sampling kit than for the patient to travel to the clinic and with legal procedures a postal kit can be sent to your nominated medical professional who will take the sample for you. The sample can be taken in the comfort of your own home or at your local doctor’s surgery, then just posted back and the results will be issued once ready.
DNA test - do I need a doctor to take my DNA sample?
If you’re worried about taking your own sample for the DNA test you can ask a medical professional to do it for you, but remember they may charge for this service. Peace-of-mind tests do not require anyone else to take your sample or to witness you taking it but if you’re taking the DNA test as part of a legal process you will need to nominate a medical professional to take your sample. This is the case because the courts require controlled environment to ensure that the sample has been taken from the right person, and that it has not been tampered with.
DNA test - wow do I take the sample?
You will be sent a sampling kit in the post, which comes with simple instructions to help you take the sample correctly. As long as you follow all the instructions carefully you will be able to post back a clean, clear DNA sample almost straightaway. The clinic will not need to collect a blood sample for your DNA test, they will simply swab the inside of your cheeks with the special swabs provided. It takes just a few minutes to collect the sample and you can then post it back to the clinic so that they can carry out the DNA test. |
