If you are planning to do a DNA Paternity test, or any other DNA Relationship test, the following article provides you information on how to go about taking a sample of your DNA for DNA testing purposes.

The object of the exercise is to obtain a sample of cheek cells from which the scientists at the lab can extract DNA to match and identify genetic relationships. To do this, you're going to need to take a swab sample from all of the parties involved, that is the mother, father and the child in a traditional paternity test situation. Don't worry - it's not at all painful and the whole process is very simple and straightforward.

To start with, instruct everyone partaking in the DNA test to avoid eating and drinking for at least half an hour prior to giving their sample to avoid any contamination of the sample that may negatively effect the testing. Additionally, it's also advisable to avoid smoking for a period of one hour prior to submitting the sample for DNA testing.

The samples once collected should be clearly marked, labelling both the name and relationship of the party involved on the envelope provided, as well as in the submission sheet you should be provided with the DNA testing kit. The samples of each person should also be kept separate to avoid any risk of cross contamination which would also negatively the results of the DNA test. Normally the envelopes provided are colour coded to provide some form of differentiation. Clear administration of the samples is of paramount importance in protecting the accuracy of the test; therefore it is critical that you follow all instructions contained within your DNA kit sample pack.

When it comes to actually taking the samples, you will require two cotton swabs per person to ensure that in the event one of the swabs does not work, a second sample is available. With the swab end kept free from contact with anything that may contaminate the DNA, rub firmly against the inside of the cheek and tongue to gather saliva and cells which will contain the vital DNA material. In isolation from potential contaminants, and having refrained from touching the cotton end of the swab, the swab should be allowed a minimum period of around 60 minutes to dry off before it is sealed ready to go to the lab. Repeat this process for all the swabs required for each person taking the paternity test.

Once you've collected all the relevant samples and filled in the necessary documentation, it is time to send the pack off to the laboratory performing the DNA testing. It is normally advisable to send the DNA samples through a postal method that can be tracked such as registered mail or courier to ensure it arrives at the DNA testing laboratory.

Depending on how long your particular choice of testing laboratory tends to take, you could be waiting anywhere from a number of days to a number of weeks for the results of the DNA test to arrive.