DNA testing requires the collection of a sample from which DNA can be extracted, analyzed, and compared if necessary. One of the most common questions asked by our clients is, “How is the sample taken?” The truth is, DNA can be extracted from just about anything someone handles a fair amount. We’ve extracted DNA from cans, bottles, airbags, chewing gum, cigarette butts, razors, handguns, knives, underwear, shirts, and dozens of other items. But the answer we give clients is;
“We’re going to be doing a swab DNA test. Our collector will gently scrape the inside of your cheek with a buccal swab, which looks like a long Q-tip. The collector will collect four swabs for the DNA test.”
The client is either happy that we are not sticking a needle in their arm to draw blood, or concerned that a swab DNA test may not be as accurate as a blood DNA test. Below are 5 benefits of a swab DNA test versus a blood DNA test.
- Painless Sample Collection – Most people don’t like needles, shots or blood. It hurts a bit. Comparatively, a buccal swab is painless. It feels like a bristleless toothbrush on the inside of your cheek. I’ve already asked the manufacturer to create root beer flavored swabs. They are in the works.
- Simple Collection – Just about everybody can collect a DNA sample using a swab. In the case of drawing whole blood, the collector must be trained and often certified. This is not the case with a swab DNA test.
- Easy to Transport – Chances are the DNA test will not be completed in the same building you have your collection done. There are about 40 or so accredited DNA testing laboratories in the U.S., so your DNA sample will need to go to one of those labs for testing. Buccal swabs are much easier to ship than going through the time, hassle, and expense of shipping blood.
- Widely Available – I mentioned before there are about 40 accredited DNA labs. As far as I know, all of these labs can perform DNA testing on a blood sample. However, I’m willing to bet they would all prefer to test a cheek swab. The reason is that the newest relationship testing machinery is set up for swab DNA tests. It requires more work on the part of the laboratory staff to complete a DNA test using blood, which usually leads to longer turnaround time.
- Swabs Are As Accurate As Blood – Believe it or not, epithelial cells contain exactly the same DNA as blood cells, making DNA testing <99.9% accurate using either swabs or blood.
This entry is for anyone who has concerns about a swab DNA test. I assure you the results are accurate, and the results will most likely be available in a more timely manner. Not to mention the benefit of the flavored swab!
What flavor would you choose?
