DNA is found in every cell in the body. Every has a unique genetic profile (except identical twins), irrespective of the tissue origin (they may come from bone, muscle, blood, etc.) have the same DNA content with the exception being red blood cells which have no nucleus. The easiest way to collect DNA is by using a cotton swab to scrape the inner cheek for skin cell, this also produces a reliable an consistent source of DNA.

The most efficient way to collect a DNA is sample is through buccal swabs, as it is non-invasive, non-traumatic, fast and a friendly way to obtain an amount of DNA sufficient to perform tests. In the past, blood sampling used to be the common method for sample collection, whereas it can still be used, it does no have the aforementioned attributes of buccal swabs.

When the person cannot be present for direct sample collection (e.g. is deceased, missing or otherwise unavailable) we consider all non-mouth swab sample as non-standard. we have had many successes in obtaining DNA from various sources. Non-standard sample can be very good items of evidence but at times will fail to produce a profile for unexplained reasons. We can try to test anything you wish but keep in mind that all non-standard samples are not the same and there are no guarantees that the item will work.

Example of non-standard samples (forensic evidence in paternity testing):

Toothbrush / Dental floss / Toothpick

Tissue / Pacifier / Cup / Bottl

Cigarette butt / Chewing gum / Razor

Electric Razor / Well worn hat  Licked envelope flap or stamp

Earwax / Hair with root / Bandaid / Fingernails

Amniotic fluid / Underwear / Condom

Feminine hygiene products

and More...

Disclaimer:
Although the item listed are good examples, there is no guarantee that there will be a useable DNA sample on the item.



Buccal Swab

Buccal Swab?
The routine use of blood samples is on the decline for paternity testing. Buccal swabs are rapidly becoming the DNA specimen of choice. The DNA testing specimen is collected by gently rubbing the cheeks inside the mouth with long swabs similar to Q-tips. The buccal cells that come off in the process require no refrigeration or preservatives and do not need immediate shipping to the paternity testing laboratory. In addition to the easy collection, the DNA specimen is useful after years of storage. The DNA tests utilized in our paternity laboratory are the exact same DNA tests as used when testing blood for DNA identification of specimens.

Buccal swab DNA specimens are not affected by bacteria, toothpaste, chewing tobacco or other tobacco products, lipstick, or nursing (mother's milk). Bacterial DNA does not affect the testing, as bacteria do not contain the DNA sequences examined in the test. No fasting is required prior is specimen collection.

The DNA paternity testing results in all cases to date are either clear exclusions or probabilities of paternity - 99%.

For further information, contact DNA True Result at (866) 648 - 6880


Buccal Swabs by DNA True Result Testing
Our paternity testing laboratories have been using Buccal swabs as a DNA specimen collection method since 1993. Currently, of the more than 100,000 parentage testing cases processed at our labs annually, over 85% of the specimens are collected using the Buccal swab.

State of the art DNA technology using polymerase chain reaction (PCR) requires very little sample, allowing the use of such non invasive paternity specimen collection methods such as the Buccal swabs.


How does that work?
This non-invasive DNA specimen collection procedure uses four cotton swabs that are similar to ordinary Q-tips to collect epithelial cells by stroking the lining of the inner cheek. These cells contain the DNA required to perform parentage testing. The paternity testing procedures utilized on DNA extracted from buccal cells are the same procedures as performed on DNA extracted from white blood cells.

The numerous advantages of the buccal swab collection procedure include

• The buccal swab collection procedure uses no needles and is considered non-invasive.
• There is little or no biohazardous waste.
• This procedure permits specimen retention for future testing.
• There is no age restriction. Specimens may be obtained from newborn infants.
• There is no rescheduling due to difficult venipuncture.
• This is an ideal alternative for IV drug abusers and those who have had bone marrow transplants or transfusions.
• There is no additional cost for buccal swab specimen collection and processing. Buccal swabs are color coded to help ensure accurate chain-of-custody collection