Standard: the cheek swab

Cheek swabs are the preferred sample for every test type. They are clean, easy to collect correctly, and give the laboratory the best chance of a complete profile.

Non-standard samples

Hair with roots attached, a used toothbrush, nail clippings, chewing gum or a cigarette butt may contain DNA. None of them is guaranteed to work. Recovery depends on how the item was used, how long ago, how it was stored, and the laboratory partner's assessment and acceptance criteria.

Important limits

  • Non-standard samples are for personal knowledge only; they cannot support a legal or immigration file.
  • Every participant must consent — we do not support covert testing.
  • If the laboratory cannot recover a usable profile, a re-collection may be required.

Check yours first with Check My Sample or browse the sample guide.