DNA sample frequently asked questions

The DNA sample vial froze. Can I still use it / is my sample still usable?

If your vial freezes before or during transit back to us, it is still usable. It will just need to defrost before you use it to collect your sample.

The DNA sample vial got exposed to extreme heat. Can I still use it / is my sample still usable?

Your collection tube is stable at room temperature and is best kept somewhere cool and dark. Try to limit how long it spends in the heat and keep it out of direct sunlight.

Will dental braces affect my DNA sample?

No, dental braces should not affect your DNA sample. Just make sure you avoid touching your teeth, gums, braces or retainers with the swab.

Will being pregnant affect my DNA sample?

No, your genetics are not changed by pregnancy, and so this should not affect your DNA sample.

Does CAR T-cell therapy affect my DNA sample?

No, CAR-T cell therapy won't not affect your DNA sample.

Does chemotherapy affect my DNA sample?

The cheek swab picks up a mix of white blood cells and cheek cells, so to get the best quality sample we recommend waiting two weeks after chemotherapy, or until your white blood cell count has recovered, before collecting.

If you're unsure whether this applies to you, contact us before collecting your sample.

Which medical procedures prevent a DNA sample from being processed?

There are a few situations where we are not able to process a cheek swab: if you have had a bone marrow or stem cell transplant from a donor, a blood transfusion containing white blood cells less than two weeks before collecting, or a liver transplant. Transfusions of packed red blood cells, plasma or platelets are fine, though make it more likely the DNA sample will not be usable. The reason is that a cheek swab picks up both cheek cells and white blood cells, and in those cases the white blood cells carry donor DNA, which our technology cannot tell apart from your own.

If you're unsure whether this applies to you, contact us before collecting your sample.