Paternity testing is a process that determines whether a man is the biological father of a child by analyzing DNA samples from both the child and the potential father.
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Paternity testing is a process that determines whether a man is the biological father of a child by analyzing DNA samples from both the child and the potential father.
Journey Genetic Testing paternity tests are 100% accurate, when the alleged father is the biological parent or is excluded as the biological father.
Results from a paternity test from some labs can take anywhere from a few days to a couple of weeks, depending on the testing method and laboratory. Journey Genetic Testing provides paternity results in just 1 business day, after running the test 2X to ensure accuracy.
In some cases, the alleged father’s participation is necessary. However, in private, non-legal paternity testing, you have a couple of options if the suspected father does not want to participate:
You can order the DNA test of your choice by clicking on ORDER A DNA TEST
If the alleged father refuses, you may want to consider a relationship DNA test using another family member, depending on your situation. You can indirectly prove paternity using a sibling DNA test , a grandparent DNA test , or by testing a paternal aunt or uncle of the child .
Yes, a paternity test can be done without the mother's participation, but if she is involved, the test is more accurate. The mother’s DNA is often used to reduce errors in the results.
Paternity testing typically requires DNA samples from the child and the alleged father. This is usually collected via cheek swabs. If it is not possible to do a mouth swab collection, alternative or non-standard specimens can be tested. To learn more click on Alternative DNA Samples .
The cost of a paternity test varies depending on the type of test and the samples that you want the lab to process. Legal paternity tests typically cost more due to the required procedures. The final results from both our home tests and legal tests are exactly the same.
You can view our all inclusive prices by clicking on the following:
Yes, Journey Genetic Testing maintain strict confidentiality regarding your paternity test results and personal information. We never sell, or make available for any reason, your genetic or personal information to any private or public company, database, or organziation, including government agencies. All DNA information is deleted after testing has been completed.
If the paternity test results are unexpected, it’s best to consult with a legal professional to understand your options and any next steps. We guarantee the results we provide at 100% accurate, as they are based on the DNA samples submitted for testing. Over the last 15 years, we have found consistently that an average of 1 out of every 3 men who take a paternity test discover they are not the father of the child they are tested with.
Not in most cases. While it is up to the judge to accept any documents in a legal case, home paternity tests cannot usually be used in legal matters because they do not follow the chain of custody requirements.
Legal paternity tests follow a chain of custody to ensure that the results can be used in court. The samples are collected by authorized personnel and transported securely to a certified lab.
To get a legal paternity test, you can place on online order securely by clicking on Order A DNA Test, or speak with one of our Genetic Consultants at 1-855-DNA-Lab4u (855-362-5224).
AABB accreditation ensures that the laboratory meets high standards of accuracy, reliability, and ethical practices in DNA testing. While AABB accreditation is specifically applied to legal DNA tests , we make certain the our home DNA test kits follow the same process and product the same findings on your results report.
Yes, a legal paternity test can be used to establish biological connections for inheritance and estate matters. You do not need to have an attorney to order a legal DNA test, as it may be less expensive for you to order it directly. However you can request for legal counsel to receive a copy of the test results.
Paternity testing is considered totally safe. For non-invasive prenatal tests, no risk is involved to the baby, while for traditional tests, there are no known risks.
Paternity tests can be done at any age, even in infancy. Non-invasive prenatal paternity tests can be done as early as the 7th week of pregnancy.
If there is any doubt about who the father of an infant is, it is advisable to do a paternity test prior to signing the birth certificate. With results available in 1 business day after the lab has the sample, there is sufficient time to sign the birth certificate within the first 30 days as most hospitals suggest.
Yes, paternity tests can be used in child custody cases to establish the biological father’s identity and his legal rights concerning the child.
Yes, a non-invasive prenatal paternity test (NIPP) can determine paternity as early as the 7th week of pregnancy using a blood sample from the mother and cheek swabs from the potential father.
A non-invasive prenatal paternity test (NIPP) uses a blood sample from the mother to detect fetal DNA and compare it to the potential father’s DNA, all without risk to the baby.
A home paternity test involves collecting DNA samples, usually through cheek swabs, following the instructions provided by the test kit. The samples are sent to the laboratory for analysis.
People use this test when the alleged father is unavailable, and they need to prove a biological relationship through a sibling of the father.
A legal avuncular DNA test—used to determine if a child is biologically related to a possible aunt or uncle—can serve several official and court-admissible purposes:
Because it’s a legal DNA test, all samples must be collected by an authorized professional, with proper ID verification and documentation.
Anyone wanting to determine paternity, when the alleged father is not avaialbe, or willing, to do a direct paternity test. The test requires DNA from the child and at least one full sibling of the alleged father—usually an aunt or uncle. The mother's DNA can be included at the time of testing for no additional cost, if desired. Some court orders require the mother's DNA to be included.
A full aunt or uncle shares both parents with the alleged father, while a half-aunt or uncle shares only one. We suggest only testing full relationships for the strongest results. If an half uncle or aunt submits DNA, at most those being tested will share 12.5% of DNA. A full aunt or uncle will share 25% of the DNA, which is twice the amount, and makes for a much stronger result. Half uncles or aunts submitting DNA for an avuncular test do run the risk of an inconclusive result, even with the mother of the child's DNA being submitted also.
Yes. Either a biological full brother or full sister of the alleged father can participate in the test. We do not recommend testing half aunts or uncles as there is such a small amount of shared DNA , that while an inconclusive result is not common, it can occur in these situations.
Yes, however if this is the case, we strongly recommend choosing our Genetic Reconstruction DNA Test . This will be a less expensive, but equally accurate option. Testing additional biological siblings of the alleged father , as well as the mother of the chilld, can increase the strenght of the test.
Paternity testing is more direct, and the recommended option if the alleged father is available and willing to test.Avuncular testing provides indirect proof or exclusion of paternity. The accuracy of the DNA report we deliver in all cases is guaranteed to 100%.
Yes. It can exclude a person as a biological aunt or uncle. When this happens it indicates their brother is NOT the biological father of the child tested again.
Yes. A legal avuncular test can support cases involving estate claims or family-based immigration petitions.
No. Anyone can purchase and perform a home avuncular DNA test without a prescription. A legal avuncular test can be done in all 50 states, however in the State of New York to have a chain of custody DNA test done, you will need one of the following: a court order, an attorney request, or a physcian's letter requesting the testing.
The cheek swab is safe for children and infants. Many infants have a cheek swab done as early as an hour after birth. Just follow the collection instructions carefully.
No, we can do the testing is a mother's DNA is not included. We do suggest, if possible, to include it however. This allows us to "subtract" the mother's DNA from the child's DNA, which leaves on the genetic profile from the suspected father to compare to the aunt or uncle. Including the mother’s DNA can increase the test’s strength for the strongest probability findings for the relationship.
Once collected and sealed, cheek swab samples remain viable for testing for several weeks. We recommend sending them to our lab for processing shortly after collecting them, to make certain that they are not accidently contaminated.
Express 2 day processing is already included. The average processing time for other lab is around 3-5 business days. If you really need your results in 1 business day, please contact one of our Genetic Consultants at 1-855-DNA-Lab4u (362-5224). There is an additional resh processing fee for 1 day results.
Yes. We ship discreet kits and protect your personal information. Your information will never be used for any purpose except your specific DNA test, and we never sell data, or provide it, to any company, organization, public or private database, or governmental agency. To view our commitment to you, click on PRIVACY POLICY.
No.Mouth swaba are preferred, however if requested we can test a whole blood sample. Blood stains can be tested, however they are considered an Alternative DNA Sample .
Cheek swabs (buccal swabs) are the most commonly used method for DNA testing today—and for good reason. Here’s why they’re preferred over blood samples:
Non-Invasive & Painless: Swabbing the inside of the cheek is quick, simple, and completely painless, unlike drawing blood.
Just as Accurate: DNA from cheek cells is identical to DNA from blood. There's no difference in the results—only in the collection method.
Easier Collection: You don’t need a trained medical professional to collect a cheek swab. This makes it ideal for at-home test kits.
Safer & Cleaner: There’s no risk of contamination from needles, and no biohazard disposal is needed.
Lower Cost: Since swabs don’t require special handling like blood, the entire testing process is more affordable and convenient.
$129 for the home avuncular DNA test and $299 for legal avuncular DNA test . The price is all inclusive including collection appointment and laboratory processing fees.
Yes, for peace-of-mind purposes. You’ll receive a kit with swabs and instructions to collect samples and mail them to the lab.
Home tests offer answers for personal peace of mind. Legal tests follow strict protocols and are accepted in court. For more information on the differenc, click on our article Legal vs. Non-Legal Paternity Tests: Key Differences You Should Know.
Only legal avuncular tests with proper chain-of-custody procedures are court-admissible.
Almost every Avuncular DNA test result is available 2 business days after the lab receive all the samples.
DNA is usually collected with a simple cheek (buccal) swab from each participant. For step-by-step directions on how to collect DNA samples using an at home DNA test kit, please click on our DNA Mouth Swab Instruction Sheet.
Yes. All information and results are strictly confidential. Click tom view our Privacy Policy .
You can call us at 1-855-362-5224 or click Order A DNA Test for help ordering, collecting samples, and understanding results.
Grandparent DNA testing is a genetic test used to determine if a biological relationship exists between a child and the alleged grandparent(s), often when the alleged father is unavailable. By comparing the DNA profiles of the grandparent(s) and the child, our laboratory can assess the likelihood of a biological connection. This type of testing can help indirectly establish paternity with 100% accuracy.
Someone might use a grandparent DNA test when the alleged father is deceased, unavailable, or unwilling to participate in a paternity test. It helps determine a biological relationship between the child and the father's side of the family. This test is often used for legal reasons, inheritance claims, or personal peace of mind.
The child and one or both paternal grandparents. The mother’s sample is also suggested to eliminate her DNA from the child, however the test can still be done if the mother is not available.
Our results are 100% accurate, based on the DNA of the samples submitted.
Want to learn more? Click on How Accurate Is A DNA Test.
No. Anyone can order a home DNA test directly from us. Legal DNA testing is allowed without a doctor or lawyer's involvement in every state except New York. New York state law requires either an attorney request, court order, or a physcian's script to perform a legal grandparent test. Many New York residents choose to do a legal DNA test in a neighboring state to avoid this additional requirement.
Expedited 2 day processing is already including. Most labs process the results in 3-5 day, and add two day service for an additional fee.
Yes. We can send collection kits to multiple addresses and combine the samples at the lab. In legal DNA testing cases, we can schedule those testing at different collection sites nearest their zip code. We have over 3,500 DNA collection sites in the U.S.A.
If you want to confirm paternity, and neither the suspected father or paternal grandparents are not available, you may wish to consider a sibling test, or a DNA test with full brother or sister of the possible father. Learn more about these tests by clicking on the links below.
Yes. Legal grandparent DNA tests support family-based immigration petitions. To learn more about DNA testing for immigration reasons, click on the link below.
No. Cheek swabs are standard and provide reliable DNA for testing.
Yes. The test can exclude a person from being biologically related to the child. The results provided are 100% accurate.
No. DNA testing is safe and effective for individuals of all ages, including infants.
$139 for a home grandparent DNA test , and $299 for a legal grandparent test. The cost is all inclusive and there are no hidden fees.
Absolutely. We maintain strict privacy policies and use secure communication for results. You can view our privacy policy by clicking on the link below.
Legal tests follow strict identity verification and are admissible in court. Home tests are for personal knowledge only. Both of our types of tests product results that are 100% accurate. The difference is whether you need legally admissible reports and a chain of custody. You can learn more about the difference by clicking the link below.
Do I need a Legal DNA Test or an At-Home DNA Test?
Results are available in 2 business days after receiving all DNA samples. If you are sending something other than a mouth swab for private grandparent testing, then a viability test must be done on the non-standard sample prior to regular testing. alternative sample testing take 3-5 business days. Click on one of the links below to learn more.
DNA is collected using painless cheek swabs provided in the test kit. If a legal test is being done, a professional DNA collector will do the cheek swab collection and verify the identities of each person being testing.
Yes, but only if you follow a legal testing process with chain-of-custody procedures.
A sibling DNA test compares the DNA of two siblings to determine if they share a biological parent(s). It analyzes specific genetic markers to determine the likelihood that the siblings are full siblings or half-siblings. This test is used to confirm sibling relationships when other direct testing options, like paternity tests, are not an option.
People use this test to confirm biological sibling relationships when the suspected father's DNA is unavailable or he is deceased. This relationship test indirectly establishes paternity.
Indirectly, yes. If the father is unavailable, sibling testing can confirm, or eliminate, paternity through full or half-sibling testing. To learn more, click the link below.
Full and Half-Sibling Testing Explained
Our sibling test results are 100% accurate. They are determined only from the DNA samples submitted for examination, unlike many of the ancestry type tests.
Sibling testing using Short Tandem Repeat (STR) analysis focuses on comparing specific regions of DNA between the alleged sibling to confirm biological siblingship. STR testing looks at repeat sequences that are inherited from both parents, providing a clear match or mismatch for the relationship. In contrast, ancestry testing like 23andMe examines a broader range of genetic markers to attempt to trace family heritage and ethnic origins, but cannot conclusively establish direct biological relationships.
Yes. Although including a parent may increases the overall strength of the test, our lab can still produce accurate results with sibling DNA alone.
Yes. The test can exclude individuals as biological siblings. The results will be 100% accurate, as they are based only on the DNA profiles of those who have submitte their DNA for testing.
Yes. You can test additional siblings for the same type of DNA test you are ordering. Additional fees will apply for each additional sibling.
Yes. We serve all 50 U.S. states for home DNA testing, and also offer international shipping to Canada, United Kingdom, and Australia. Legal DNA testing is available in all United States except New York, without a court, lawyer, or physcian order. In New York state ONLY, a court order, lawyer request, or doctor's script (Rx), is required to perform a legal DNA test. Many New York residents make the choice to be tested in a neighboring state if they choose not to obtain the permission required under New York law.
It’s not required. Including the mother’s DNA may improve the strength of the test in some cases. We do not charge any additional lab processing fees if the mother's DNA is submitted with the other DNA samples.
Two siblings will pay $139 for a home sibling DNA test and $299 for a legal sibling DNA test . The price is all inclusive. There are no additional fees.
Each person uses a cheek swab to collect DNA from the inside of their mouth for private, at home DNA testing. For legal testing, a trained professional DNA collector will verify identities of those who are giving a sample of their DNA, and collect it using a mouth swab.
Yes. We follow strict privacy and security standards for every sample. You can learn about how we protect your information by clicking on the Privacy link below.
You can expect results in 2 business days after the lab receives all samples. If an alternative DNA sample is used, a viability test is necessary prior to standard sibling testing.
Yes, but only if you request a legal sibling DNA test with proper chain of custody.
Yes. We can send separate kits to each person’s address for convenience for home testing, and we can schedule those being testing for legal DNA results at a collection center nearest their location. We have over 3,500 DNA collection partners in the United States, and all are trained for AABB legal paternity and family relationship testing.
Yes. We international shipping and testing options to Canada, United Kingdom. and Australia. We also offer a Make Your Own Kit (MYOK) option to remove the cost of international shipping of the kit to those testing. To learn more about the MYOK option, click the link below.
Yes. Legal tests require photo ID and proper documentation to meet court standards. Proper identification is defined by a current government issued identification document including a dirver's license, state ID card, military ID, or a passport.
Sibling tests cansupport family-based immigration petitions. We recommend always consulting with an attorney regarding your specific case. Learn more about immigration DNA testing by clicking the link below.
Yes. Many adoptees use sibling DNA tests to verify biological connections.
Twin zygosity testing determines whether twins are identical (monozygotic) or fraternal (dizygotic). It compares the twins' DNA to assess if they share the same genetic material or if they are genetically different. This test helps clarify their zygosity, which can influence aspects of their health, genetics, and family planning.
Zygosity refers to the genetic similarity or difference between two individuals, specifically in relation to whether they share the same or different genetic material. In the context of twins, it describes whether they are identical (monozygotic) or fraternal (dizygotic). The term can also apply to any pair of alleles inherited for a particular gene, indicating whether they are the same (homozygous) or different (heterozygous).
Our test is 100% accurate in determining zygosity. To learn more about our accuracy guarantee, click on the link below.
People get a twin zygosity test to determine whether their twins are identical (monozygotic) or fraternal (dizygotic). This can provide valuable information about the twins' genetic health and potential risk factors for certain conditions. It can also help with family planning, medical history understanding, or satisfying curiosity about the genetic relationship between the twins.
Doctors can't always tell if twins are identical just by looking at them, as identical twins may appear very similar or even indistinguishable. While fraternal twins usually have distinct physical traits, identical twins can look alike but have differences due to environmental factors or individual development. A twin zygosity test is the only accurate way to confirm whether twins are identical or fraternal.
Yes. Each set of multiples can be tested for zygosity individually. Addional lab fees apply for each additional sibling tested.
Yes, it's possible for identical twins to look different due to factors like environmental influences, lifestyle, and individual experiences. While they share the same genetic material, subtle differences can arise in their appearance, such as differences in weight, skin tone, or facial features. These variations occur because genetics is only one factor in shaping their physical traits. Yes. Environmental factors and lifestyle can cause differences despite identical DNA.
Yes, knowing zygosity can provide several benefits, particularly for health and medical reasons. Identical twins may share certain genetic predispositions to health conditions, while fraternal twins may have different risks based on their distinct genetic makeup. Zygosity testing can also help with understanding family genetic history, planning for future pregnancies, and providing clarity in cases of fertility treatments or medical research.
Yes. We follow strict privacy protocols to keep your results secure. You can review our privacy policy by clicking on the link below.
Yes, fraternal twins share about 50% of their DNA, just like any other siblings born at different times. This is because each twin inherits half of their genetic material from each parent, but the combination of genes they receive is unique to each individual. While fraternal twins are genetically similar, they are no more alike than regular siblings.
If twins are adopted or separated at birth, they may not share a home environment or upbringing, but they still share the same genetic material if they are biological siblings. Even if raised apart, their DNA will be the same, with identical twins having nearly identical genetic makeup and fraternal twins sharing about 50% of their DNA. In such cases, zygosity testing can still confirm whether the twins are identical or fraternal, regardless of their living situations. This test helps confirm genetic ties when records are unavailable or unclear.
Yes, you can order a twin zygosity test for adult twins. The test is available for individuals of any age and can be done through a simple DNA sample, usually collected via cheek swabs. It will determine whether the twins are identical (monozygotic) or fraternal (dizygotic) based on their genetic markers.
Yes, twin zygosity testing can be used for legal purposes, such as settling disputes over inheritance, custody, or paternity. However, it’s important to ensure that the test follows proper chain-of-custody procedures are followed to ensure the results are legally admissible. For legal purposes, the testing process must meet specific standards, which may vary depending on the jurisdiction.
If you are interested in a Legal Twin Zygosity Test, please call and speak to our Genetic Consultants and they can guide you through the process. 1-855-362-5224.
Identical twins basically share 100% of their DNA, as they come from the same fertilized egg that splits into two embryos. While they have nearly identical genetic material, there can still be very very tiny differences in their DNA due to mutations or variations that can occur after the split. These minor differences are usually not noticeable, but they do exist at the genetic level.
Results are ready in 1 business day after the lab receives the DNA samples. This rush service is included in our price.
Yes, you can test newborn twins to determine their zygosity (whether they are identical or fraternal). The test can be done using a simple DNA sample, typically collected from a cheek swab. This test is safe and can be performed shortly after birth, providing accurate information about the twins' genetic relationship.
No, the sample collection for a twin zygosity test is not painful. It typically involves a cheek swab, where a small, soft cotton swab is gently rubbed inside the cheek to collect a sample of cells. This process is quick, non-invasive, and completely painless for both infants and adults. No. It’s a simple and painless cheek swab.
After receiving your DNA paternity or relationship test results, carefully review the findings and ensure you understand the implications. If the results are significant for legal or personal matters, consider consulting a lawyer help with your next steps. You can contact us if you have any questions about the results themselves.
You can have either a second emailed copy sent, or an emailed copy and physcial copy sent to another person in additional to the authorized party. This can be requested at the time the order is placed.
We will send duplicates upon request within 30 days of providing your initial report, for a small fee. Please click the link below to order an additional test report.
We include a simplified explanation alongside the scientific data to assit you. For more information please click on the link below.
Yes. Legal test results are often used in court and legal consultations.
Relationship tests do not include ethnicity or ancestry.
Twin zygosity tests confirm whether twins are identical. If they are not identical, then they are fraternal by default.
We retain your DNA information for additional testing, or questions about your results, for a period of 30 days. After that time, we will delete all personal information from our system. If you wish to test against someone else after that date, you can do so by providing your copy of the results that contain your DNA profile, without having to submit a new DNA sample.
No. A person’s DNA remains the same throughout life.
Legal results include certified documentation and are notarized.
Our results are guaranteed 100% accurate. This is because they are only based on the DNA sample submitted for each person. They may not be the results you were anticipating, but the results do reveal the truth about the relationship.
Our results are provided for the specific relationship(s) tested for. We do not list other possible relationships since they are not tested for, and doing so would not be scientifically accurate.
Only the authorized parties listed during ordering your test receive results.
Yes. We follow privacy laws and keep your data confidential unless. You can review our privacy policy by clicking the link below.
No. Paternity and relationship tests only include markers relevant to the specific relationship being tested.
Yes. Your result will be a downloadable PDF from your email.
We offer printed results, in additional to an emailed copy, if you select that option on your order form.
Errors are rare but may occur if samples are contaminated or mislabelled. Our lab follows strict quality controls. The reports we issue are based only the DNA samples submitted to us for testing. We are not responsible for contaminated or mislabeled samples.
Complete a Support Ticket, with your case number, and we will review your case and provide options for retesting or submitting new samples.
Rarely. Poor sample quality or borderline genetic markers may require retesting. This does not mean the findings were not accurate. The probabilities listed are still 100% accurate, but may require additional tested individuals for the stronger probability.
Legal results require witnessed sample collection, verified identities, and a strict chain of custody.
Not usually. While the court has the final determinate, it is generally considered to recommend a legal DNA test with a documented chain of custody ar for legal issues.
Yes. We provide easy-to-read summaries along with a booklet explaining the results. We also provide additional information online. Please click the link below for more information.
A 0% result indicates the tested man is not the biological father, or the relationship tested for does not exist.
It means the tested man is the biological father based on the DNA match.
Yes. When collected and processed correctly, home tests are 100% accurate for paternity and relationship testing. To learn more about the accuracy of our DNA tests, please click on the link below.
We send results by secure email and/or mail, depending on your chosen service.
Most results are ready within 1-2 business days after the lab receives your sample, depending on the test. Prenatal non-invasive and Y-Chromsoome reuslts are usually ready in 3-5 days.
This would be an uncommon situation. We will notify you and provide instructions for a replacement kit for recollection.
Yes. You will receive an email notifications upon receipt of your sample.
Yes, if you choose professional or legal DNA testing services. You may also schedule a collection appointment for non-legal testing at our corporate collection office in Beaverton, Oregon.
Yes! We always follow strict privacy protocols and don’t share your information.
Yes, in many cases. Contact us at 1-855-DNA-Lab4u (362-5224) to discuss your circumstances prior to ordering a test.
No. Use a fresh swab for each sample to avoid contamination.
We ship internationally. We accept samples from the United States, Canada, Australia, and the United Kingdom.
Not necessarily. Home swabs are just as accurate when instructions are followed properly.
Yes. Illness doesn’t affect the DNA in cheek cells.
For most tests, we return results within 1-2 business days after receiving your sample.
No. Expired swabs may not preserve DNA effectively.
Ship it to the address using the provided pre-paid label. If you are shipping from outside of the United States, the address to send your samples to will in the instructions.
Contact us at 1-855-DNA-Lab4u (362-5224) or email us at info@dnalab4u.com for replacement swabs or guidance.
Yes. Use the envelopes provided to identify each sample clearly and correctly.
No. Touching the tip may contaminate the sample and reduce accuracy.
Our DNA kits include four swabs per person to ensure sample quality.
Chain of custody ensures a verified, documented process during sample collection for legal admissibility.
Not for at-home tests. Legal tests require a trained, approved collector to maintain chain of custody.
Yes. Food or drink will not alter a person's DNA but it can affect the sample quality. That’s why it’s important to rinse your mouth and wait at least 30 minutes after eating.
No fasting is necessary, but avoid eating, drinking, or smoking 30 minutes before collection.
If stored properly, dry swabs can remain viable for weeks or even months. However, we recommend sending the DNA samples as soon as possible after collection to ensure the best results.
Keep the swabs dry and store them in the provided envelope until you mail them.
Yes. Buccal swabbing is safe for all ages, including infants and toddlers.
No. It’s completely painless and non-invasive.
Use the sterile swabs provided, rub the inside of each cheek for 30 seconds, and follow the kit instructions.
Yes. A buccal swab provides DNA just as accurate as a blood sample for most tests.
The most common sample is a buccal (cheek) swab, but blood, hair, or other bodily materials can also be used. You can see a list of suggeted samples that are not mouth swabs at Alterantive DNA Samples.
DNA specimen collection involves gathering a biological sample, usually a cheek swab, to extract and analyze DNA.