Due to advances in chemical analysis and a greater understanding of DNA and genetics, the once rare and expensive DNA screening of genetic material to determine relationships is now commonplace and available at very affordable prices. Even the samples required for screening have been simplified, and an oral swab is now sufficient where previously a blood test would have been necessary. For a DNA test such as a paternity test to be carried out, genetic material has to be collected for each person participating, and a free DNA kit is provided by the supplier when you order the test.
The purpose of the kit is to provide all this needed to collect and return the sample, and although the contents will vary in detail between suppliers and laboratories, they will be intrinsically the same with respect to the necessary materials. These will include the swabs needed to collect the oral samples and a means of storing and returning these samples to the analyzing laboratory. A submission form will also be necessary, where the details of the subjects are provided, and labels or pre-addressed envelopes also provided. A very important component of the free kit is the instructions on how to use it.
Instructions are very important to some people, and even though sample collection with a swab is not difficult, it is important that they are clear. People are worried in case they affect the results by making some mistake when collecting the samples, and while that is unlikely, a video showing the entire procedure would be useful. Nevertheless, it is simply a matter of taking a swab, rubbing it against the inside of your cheek and placing it in the container provided. It is that simple.
Important issue
Another important issue with some is the question of privacy. It is important to them that others don’t find out what they are doing, particularly if it does not concern others. If that is you, then contact your supplier and request that the free DNA kit is provided in an unmarked package – nothing on it but your name and address. That will give you the privacy, and you can get on with the test.