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Standard and Non-Standard DNA Samples

On this page, you can find the most common DNA sample types used for DNA testing, including paternity, kinship determination, and other genetic analyses. If you don’t see the option you need, feel free to ask a specialist by calling +995 322 47 01 95.

DNA samples are categorized into two types:

Oral swab

Oral swab with a cotton swab from the inside of the cheek (buccal epithelium scraping). The procedure is very simple and takes 5-7 minutes; you can view the instructions here. It can be easily done at home. Store samples in a regular paper envelope at room temperature.

Non-standard samples include all other types except the oral swab. Below are the most common ones:

Hair

To extract DNA from hair, the hair strands must be with root pulled directly from the person. It’s best to pull out a few hairs (5-10 pieces) and put them in a clean paper envelope. No special storage conditions are required.

Nails

It’s enough to cut nails from one hand or foot (4-5 pieces) and put them in a clean paper or plastic envelope. No special storage conditions are required.

Liquid Blood

It is preferable to store tubes with liquid blood in the refrigerator if you cannot bring the samples to us immediately.

Blood Stains

Typically, these are dried blood spots on fabric, paper, or other surfaces. Put them in a clean paper envelope. It is advisable to avoid moisture.

Disposable Tableware

DNA samples may remain on dishes left in public dining places or at home. This can include forks, spoons, cups, etc. They can be stored in either a paper envelope or a plastic bag. No special storage conditions are required.

Earwax

It is preferable to have 2 cotton swabs (one from each ear). The swabs that have not been used for cleaning ears should be trimmed. It is better if the cotton shows some earwax, so it is recommended to take the sample before washing the ears. Put them in a clean paper envelope. No special storage conditions are required.

Used Condom

You can bring the condom itself or use sterile cotton swabs to collect a sample of semen. Put it in a clean, airtight plastic bag or box. No special storage conditions are required.

Semen Stains

It is possible to extract DNA samples from semen stains left on fabric or paper (napkins, towels, sheets, etc.). There is no need to bring the entire piece of fabric; a cut-out piece with the stain is sufficient. Put it in a clean paper envelope. No special storage conditions are required.

Handkerchiefs (fabric and disposable paper)

If the handkerchief is very wet, it is advisable to dry it for a few hours to allow excess moisture to evaporate. Put it in a clean paper envelope. No special storage conditions are required.

Toothbrush

The toothbrush should be dried at room temperature. Put it in a clean paper envelope. No special storage conditions are required.

Chewing Gum

It is recommended to air-dry the chewing gum at room temperature by placing it on clean paper or a napkin. Then, put it in a clean paper envelope. No special storage conditions are required.

Soft Tissues (skin, muscle)

It is recommended to dry the pieces of skin and muscles (excess water will evaporate). Put it in a paper envelope. The dried sample does not require special storage conditions.

Tampon or Pad

It is not recommended to use a wet tampon or pad. Therefore, dry the tampon or pad at room temperature for several hours. Put it in a clean paper envelope. The sample does not require special storage conditions.

Cigarette Butts

It is recommended to collect several cigarette butts (3-5 pieces). The butts can be placed in either a paper envelope or a plastic bag. They do not require special storage conditions.

Toothpick

Dry the used toothpick at room temperature for a couple of hours. Put it in a clean paper envelope. No special storage conditions are required.

Hair Comb

Some hairs on the comb may contain the root. The comb can be put in either a paper envelope or a plastic bag. It does not require special storage conditions.

Razor

On a used razor, small pieces of skin and hair remain, which contain DNA. The razor can be put in either a paper envelope or a plastic bag. It does not require special storage conditions.

Utensils

DNA samples may remain on utensils such as forks, spoons, glasses, etc. They can be put in either a paper envelope or a plastic bag. No special storage conditions are required.

Abortion Material

This is a biological material obtained during an abortion. Put it in a sealed plastic bag or container. Store it in the refrigerator.

Teeth

DNA material can be extracted from teeth. The tooth is drilled, and DNA is retrieved from it. It can be put in either a paper envelope or a plastic bag. It does not require any special storage conditions.

Bones

DNA material can be extracted from bones. The bone is sawed, and DNA is retrieved from it. It can be put in either a paper envelope or a plastic bag. It does not require any special storage conditions.