How DNA Sample Collection Works

Cheek swabs, witnessed collection and home kits — what happens at each type of appointment.

By KINORA GENETICS·Published October 4, 2026·1 min read

Gloved clinician performing a cheek swab collection

The standard sample

A cheek (buccal) swab collects cells from inside the mouth in seconds. It is painless, needs no blood draw, and works for adults, children and infants.

Witnessed collection

For legal and immigration cases, collection takes place at our Richmond, BC centre or by coordinated appointment. Participants bring government-issued ID, consent is documented, samples are sealed in front of you, and a chain-of-custody form travels with them.

Home kits

For personal testing only, we can send a kit with swabs and instructions. There is no witnessed identity check, so home-kit results are not prepared for official use.

Before you mail anything unusual

If you are considering hair, a toothbrush or nail clippings, use Check My Sample first. Suitability always depends on the item's condition and the laboratory partner's assessment.

More: DNA sample collection

Filed under

#DNA sample collection#cheek swab#appointment