A Step-by-Step Guide on How to Prepare
Preparing for a DNA test doesn't have to be complicated. Whether you're scheduling a paternity test, investigating a biological relationship, or submitting an item for forensic DNA analysis, a little preparation can help make the process easier and avoid unnecessary delays.
Most DNA tests involve a straightforward collection process, but the requirements can vary depending on the type of testing you need. For example, an at-home paternity test typically requires a simple cheek swab, while legal DNA testing involves identity verification and documented sample collection procedures.
At Validity Genetics, we offer a variety of DNA testing services, including relationship, forensic, infidelity, and legal DNA testing.
Before placing your order, here are the most important steps to help you prepare for your DNA test.
On This Page
1. Choose the Right Type of DNA Test
2. Informational vs. Legal DNA Testing
3. Choosing a Reputable DNA Testing Company
4. Understanding DNA Testing Costs
5. Preparing Identification and Paperwork
6. Preparing for DNA Sample Collection
7. Handling Forensic DNA Samples
8. DNA Testing Turnaround Times
9. Receiving Your DNA Test Results
10. Possible Follow-Up Testing
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Choose the Right Type of DNA Test
The first step in preparing for DNA testing is understanding what you want to determine.
Different DNA tests are designed to answer different questions, and selecting the appropriate test from the beginning can save time, reduce unnecessary expenses, and help ensure you receive the information you're looking for.
At Validity Genetics, our services fall into three main categories: Relationship DNA Testing, Forensic Relationship DNA Testing, and Infidelity DNA Testing.
Relationship DNA Testing
Relationship DNA testing is used to determine or evaluate biological relationships between individuals. Most tests use a simple, painless cheek swab to collect DNA samples.
Common relationship DNA tests include:
Paternity DNA Testing: Determines whether a man is the biological father of a child.
Sibling DNA Testing: Evaluates whether two individuals share one or both biological parents.
Grandparent DNA Testing: Investigates a biological relationship between grandparents and a grandchild.
Aunt or Uncle (Avuncular) DNA Testing: Evaluates the biological relationship between an alleged aunt or uncle and a niece or nephew.
Paternal Lineage (Y-STR) DNA Testing: Examines Y-chromosome markers to evaluate whether males may share a paternal lineage.
Twin Zygosity DNA Testing: Determines whether twins are identical or fraternal.
For most relationship DNA tests, samples are collected using oral cheek swabs. Depending on the test, including additional family members may improve the strength of the results.
If the results are needed for court, child support, immigration, or another official purpose, a Legal DNA Test may be required instead of a standard at-home test.
Forensic Relationship DNA Testing
What if someone cannot or will not provide a cheek swab?
Forensic relationship DNA testing offers an alternative by attempting to recover DNA from personal belongings or biological material associated with the individual.
These are commonly called non-standard DNA samples (NSS) and may include toothbrushes, hair with roots, clothing, tissues, and dried biological stains.
Validity Genetics offers several forensic relationship testing options:
Forensic Paternity DNA Testing: Investigates biological paternity using a non-standard sample from the alleged father, child, or another participant.
Forensic Sibling DNA Testing: Evaluates sibling relationships when one or more participants are represented by non-standard DNA samples.
Forensic Grandparent DNA Testing: Investigates biological relationships between grandparents and grandchildren using forensic samples.
Forensic Avuncular DNA Testing: Evaluates aunt, uncle, niece, or nephew relationships when traditional sample collection is unavailable.
Forensic DNA testing can be particularly useful when an individual is deceased, unavailable, or unwilling to participate in conventional testing.
However, non-standard samples may contain limited, degraded, or mixed DNA, making sample selection especially important. Successful DNA recovery cannot be guaranteed.
Learn more about our Forensic Relationship DNA Testing services and the common types of DNA samples that may be suitable for analysis.
Infidelity DNA Testing
Infidelity DNA testing is designed to analyze suspicious items or biological stains for evidence of human DNA or specific biological materials.
Unlike standard relationship testing, which compares DNA from known individuals, infidelity testing often begins with an item such as clothing, bedding, underwear, tissues, or another personal belonging.
Depending on what you want to determine, several testing options are available:
Semen Detection Testing: Determines whether human semen is present on a submitted item. This test does not identify the individual who deposited the material.
Simple Infidelity DNA Testing: Attempts to recover and report human DNA profiles from a submitted sample without comparing them against a known individual.
Advanced Infidelity DNA Testing: Includes DNA extraction, profiling, and comparison against a reference sample from a known individual.
Complete Infidelity DNA Testing: Combines semen detection with DNA extraction, profiling, and comparison.
Y-STR Infidelity DNA Testing: Focuses on male-specific DNA markers and may be useful when attempting to detect male DNA in samples containing substantial amounts of female DNA.
Validity Genetics also offers specialized saliva and blood detection testing for customers who need to determine whether these biological materials are present.
It's important to understand that detecting human DNA does not automatically establish infidelity or sexual activity. DNA testing cannot reliably determine when biological material was deposited or how it was transferred.
Choosing the right test depends on whether you want to detect a particular biological fluid, recover a DNA profile, or compare DNA against a known individual.
For more information, explore our Infidelity DNA Testing services or read our guide on How to Collect DNA Samples for Infidelity Testing.
2. Determine Whether You Need Informational or Legal DNA Testing
One of the most important decisions when preparing for paternity or relationship DNA testing is whether you need an informational test or a legally admissible test.
Although both may use similar laboratory analysis methods, the collection requirements and intended uses are different.
At-Home DNA Testing
An at-home DNA test, also called an informational DNA test, is intended for personal knowledge and peace of mind.
A collection kit is typically mailed to the customer, allowing participants to collect their DNA samples privately.
The kit generally includes cheek swabs, collection envelopes, instructions, and the paperwork needed to submit the samples.
Once collected, the samples are returned to the laboratory for analysis.
At-home testing is usually less expensive than legal DNA testing because it does not require supervised collection or formal identity verification.
However, at-home DNA test results are not intended for legal use because the identity of the individuals providing the samples is not independently verified.
Legal DNA Testing
A Legal DNA Test is intended for situations where results may be used in court or for other official purposes.
Examples include:
Child custody or child support proceedings
Establishing or challenging legal paternity
Birth certificate changes
Estate or inheritance matters
Certain immigration cases
Legal DNA testing requires a documented chain of custody, including participant identification, authorized sample collection, and controlled handling of the specimens.
Unlike at-home testing, participants cannot simply collect their own samples and submit them as legal evidence.
Collection must follow the laboratory's approved procedures.
If you believe you may need DNA results for court or another legal matter, it is best to arrange legal testing from the beginning rather than ordering an informational test that may need to be repeated.
3. Choose a Reputable DNA Testing Company and Laboratory
DNA test results can have significant personal and legal implications, so choosing a reputable testing provider is important.
Look for a company that clearly explains its testing services, laboratory procedures, turnaround times, and customer support options.
Laboratory accreditation is another important consideration, particularly for legal relationship DNA testing.
For example, AABB accreditation is widely recognized for relationship DNA testing and is particularly relevant to certain legal and immigration testing requirements.
Validity Genetics works with qualified, accredited laboratory partners to provide appropriate DNA testing services.
Keep in mind that accreditation requirements differ by testing category. The accreditation needed for legal paternity testing is not necessarily the same as the laboratory qualifications relevant to forensic evidence analysis.
Learn more in our article about AABB Accreditation and DNA Testing.
4. Understand the Cost of DNA Testing Before Ordering
The price of a DNA test depends on several factors, including the type of relationship being investigated, the number of participants, the samples being submitted, and whether legal documentation is required.
Home vs. Legal DNA Testing Costs
At-home paternity and relationship tests are generally more affordable because participants collect their own samples.
Legal DNA testing typically costs more because it requires identity verification, chain-of-custody documentation, and supervised sample collection.
Depending on the service, collection fees or additional shipping charges may apply.
Forensic DNA Testing Costs
Forensic DNA testing may involve additional costs because non-standard samples require specialized extraction and processing.
For example, analyzing DNA from a toothbrush, clothing stain, or hair with roots may be more complex than processing a standard cheek swab.
The number of samples and whether DNA comparison testing is needed can also affect the total price.
Additional Testing Costs to Consider
Before ordering, determine whether your situation may require:
Additional participants or reference samples
Separate collection kits for individuals at different addresses
Legal sample collection
Rush laboratory processing
Specialized forensic sample analysis
Printed results or sample return services
If you're unsure which services are necessary, we recommend contacting us before purchasing.
5. Prepare Any Required Identification or Paperwork
The paperwork needed for DNA testing depends on whether the test is informational or legal.
For At-Home DNA Testing
Most home DNA tests require basic participant information and the completion of the collection paperwork provided with the kit.
Be sure to follow the instructions carefully and label each participant's samples correctly.
For Legal DNA Testing
Legal DNA testing generally requires additional documentation, including government-issued identification for adult participants.
Depending on the circumstances, additional documents may be required for minors or individuals without standard identification.
If your test is connected to a court order, immigration application, or other official process, make sure you understand the requesting authority's requirements before scheduling collection.
For immigration-related cases, visit our US Immigration DNA Testing page.
6. Prepare for DNA Sample Collection
For standard paternity and relationship DNA testing, collecting a sample is usually quick and painless.
Most tests use an oral cheek swab to collect cells from the inside of the mouth.
Before Collecting a Cheek Swab
Follow the instructions supplied with your testing kit. As a general precaution, avoid eating, drinking, smoking, or chewing gum for at least 30 minutes before collecting an oral sample.
Wash your hands and prepare a clean area for the collection materials.
Avoid touching the collection tip of the swab with your fingers or placing it against other surfaces.
During Collection
Gently rub the swab against the inside of the cheek for the amount of time specified in your kit instructions.
Collect the required number of swabs for each participant.
Be sure that samples from different individuals are kept separate and properly labeled.
After Collection
Allow the swabs to air dry completely before placing them into their designated envelopes.
Do not use a hair dryer, heater, or other heat source to speed up drying.
Proper drying and packaging help reduce the risk of moisture-related damage during shipping.
7. Take Extra Precautions With Forensic DNA Samples
If you're submitting a toothbrush, clothing item, hair sample, or other non-standard DNA sample, preparation is especially important.
Unlike a freshly collected cheek swab, forensic evidence may already contain limited DNA or biological material from more than one person.
Improper handling can introduce additional DNA or damage the material you want tested.
To help preserve your sample:
Handle the item as little as possible.
Wear clean disposable gloves when appropriate.
Avoid touching visible stains or areas likely to contain DNA.
Allow damp items to air dry before packaging.
Package separate items individually in paper envelopes or bags.
Avoid excessive heat, sunlight, and moisture.
Do not wash or clean an item before submitting it.
Whenever possible, submit the original stained item rather than attempting to swab or scrape it yourself, unless the laboratory has instructed you otherwise.
For more information, read our guides to Common Types of DNA Samples and How to Collect DNA Samples for Infidelity Testing.
8. Know Your DNA Testing Turnaround Time
Understanding how long testing takes is important, especially when results are needed for a court date, immigration deadline, or personal decision.
At Validity Genetics, standard turnaround times depend on the type of test performed.
Home and Legal Relationship DNA Testing: Results are generally available within 2–3 business days after the laboratory receives and checks in all required samples.
Infidelity and Forensic DNA Testing: Results are generally available within 5–7 business days after laboratory receipt and check-in.
Some specialized samples or additional laboratory procedures may require more time.
Business days are Monday through Friday, excluding weekends and holidays.
These timeframes refer to laboratory processing and do not include shipping time or delays while waiting for additional samples or required information.
Is Rush DNA Testing Available?
Rush testing may be available for eligible services, depending on the sample type and laboratory workload.
If you have an upcoming deadline, contact Validity Genetics before submitting your samples to discuss availability and pricing.
Rush processing generally must be arranged before samples are received and placed into testing.
9. Understand How You'll Receive Your DNA Test Results
DNA test results are typically delivered electronically as a PDF document to the email address associated with your order.
The report will include the findings relevant to the type of test performed.
For example, a paternity DNA test generally includes genetic marker information, statistical calculations, and a conclusion regarding the alleged biological relationship.
Infidelity DNA testing results may include DNA profiles, comparison findings, or biological material detection results, depending on the services purchased.
Validity Genetics treats all DNA testing information as confidential. Results are released to the purchaser unless written authorization has been provided to share them with another individual.
If you need a printed copy of your results, additional options are available.
10. Plan for Possible Follow-Up Testing
Not every DNA test requires additional analysis, but it's helpful to understand when follow-up testing may be necessary.
For example, a sibling or grandparent DNA test may benefit from the participation of additional biological relatives if the initial result is inconclusive.
In forensic DNA testing, a sample may contain insufficient DNA or a mixture of genetic material from multiple individuals.
In some infidelity investigations, customers may initially request semen detection or DNA profiling and later decide to compare a recovered DNA profile against a known individual.
When possible, discussing your goals before ordering can help determine which testing approach is most appropriate.
Frequently Asked Questions About Preparing for DNA Testing
Do I need to fast before a DNA test?
No. Standard cheek swab DNA testing does not require fasting.
However, you should follow your kit instructions regarding eating, drinking, smoking, or chewing gum before collecting the sample.
Can I brush my teeth before a DNA test?
Brushing your teeth is generally not necessary before collecting a cheek swab. To avoid introducing toothpaste or other substances into the sample, follow the collection instructions and allow the recommended waiting period before testing.
Can a baby or young child take a DNA test?
Yes. Paternity and relationship DNA testing can be performed at any age, including shortly after birth.
A cheek swab is typically used to collect the child's DNA.
Do all participants need to be in the same location?
No. For eligible at-home relationship DNA tests, participants living at different addresses can receive separate collection kits through our Split Kit option.
Legal DNA testing requires collection arrangements that follow the laboratory's chain-of-custody procedures.
Can I use a toothbrush instead of a cheek swab?
In some cases, yes. A toothbrush may contain recoverable DNA and can be considered for forensic relationship testing.
However, non-standard samples require specialized analysis, and successful DNA recovery cannot be guaranteed.
Learn more about Forensic Paternity DNA Testing.
Will my DNA test results be confidential?
Yes. Validity Genetics handles DNA testing information confidentially.
We do not sell customers' personal information, DNA profiles, or testing information. Information is shared only as necessary to provide the requested services or as otherwise required by law.
Test results are provided to the purchaser unless written authorization is received to release them to another person.
Ready to Get Started With DNA Testing?
Preparing for DNA testing is easier when you know which test you need, what samples are required, and how the collection process works.
Whether you're looking for answers about paternity, investigating a biological relationship, or considering forensic or infidelity DNA testing, choosing the appropriate service and preparing your samples correctly can help prevent unnecessary delays.
Validity Genetics offers a variety of DNA testing services designed to help individuals and families get reliable answers.
If you're unsure which test is right for your situation, contact our DNA testing team. We can help explain your options, review available samples, and guide you toward the appropriate testing service.
For more information about Paternity, Relationship, and general DNA testing questions Contact Us or email the team at Info@ValidityGenetics.com.
