Taking a DNA test for the first time can come with a lot of questions.
Will it hurt? What type of sample will be collected? How long will the process take? When will you receive your results? And who will have access to your information?
Fortunately, DNA testing is much simpler than many people expect. For many common DNA tests, sample collection involves nothing more than a quick and painless cheek swab.
At Concurrent Technologies & Services Ltd. (CTS), the DNA testing process is designed to make obtaining reliable answers as straightforward and confidential as possible.
Here is what you can expect, step by step.
Step 1: Identify the DNA Test You Need
The process begins by determining which type of DNA test is appropriate for your needs.
People seek DNA testing for different reasons. Some want answers about biological relationships for personal knowledge, while others may require testing for a legal or official purpose.
Your reason for testing matters because different circumstances can require different sample-collection and documentation procedures.
If you are unsure which test you need, speak with the CTS team before scheduling your sample collection. Explaining what you need the results for can help ensure that the correct testing process is followed from the beginning.
Step 2: Schedule Your DNA Test
Once you know which test you need, the next step is arranging your sample collection.
Scheduling in advance allows the team to prepare for your appointment and provide instructions about any identification or documentation you may need to bring.
For a routine cheek-swab collection, extensive preparation is generally unnecessary. However, always follow the specific instructions provided for your test.
Step 3: Provide Your DNA Sample
This is often the part that first-time clients worry about most—and usually the easiest part of the entire process.
For many DNA tests, a buccal or cheek swab is used.
A sterile swab is gently rubbed against the inside of the cheek to collect cells. Those cells contain the DNA required for laboratory analysis.
The process is:
- Painless
- Non-invasive
- Quick
- Simple
- Suitable for adults and children
A standard cheek-swab collection generally does not require needles or a blood draw.
Step 4: Samples Are Properly Identified and Prepared
After collection, each DNA sample must be correctly identified and handled.
Proper sample management is an important part of producing reliable DNA test results. Samples are prepared and documented according to the applicable testing procedure before laboratory analysis.
Where a test is intended for legal or official purposes, additional identification and chain-of-custody procedures may be necessary.
These procedures help document who provided the sample and how it was collected, handled, transferred, and processed.
If your DNA results may be needed for an official purpose, tell CTS before the samples are collected so that the appropriate procedure can be followed.
Step 5: Laboratory Analysis Begins
The collected samples are then processed for laboratory analysis.
DNA is obtained from the cells in the sample and analyzed using specialized laboratory techniques. For relationship testing, relevant genetic markers from the individuals being tested are examined and compared.
This scientific comparison provides the information necessary to evaluate the biological relationship being tested.
Laboratory procedures and quality checks are an essential part of ensuring that the final report accurately reflects the analysis performed.
Step 6: Your Results Are Reviewed
After laboratory testing is completed, the findings are reviewed and a report is prepared.
The information provided in the report depends on the DNA test you requested.
Because DNA reports can contain scientific terminology and statistical information, clients should ask questions if anything in the report is unclear.
The purpose of DNA testing is not simply to provide numbers on a page. It is to provide scientifically supported information that helps answer an important question.
Step 7: Receive Your Results Securely
Once your results are ready, they are provided using the applicable delivery method.
Turnaround times can vary depending on the type of test, the samples submitted, and whether additional procedures are required.
If you have a particular deadline, discuss it with CTS when arranging your test rather than assuming that every DNA test has the same processing time.
How Long Does the DNA Testing Process Take?
The sample collection itself is usually very quick.
For a standard cheek swab, collecting the DNA sample may take only a few minutes. The laboratory analysis requires additional time because the sample must be processed, analyzed, reviewed, and reported.
Your expected turnaround time will therefore depend on the specific test being performed. Our standard turnaround time is 2-4 weeks for routine cases.
Is a Cheek-Swab DNA Test Painful?
No. Cheek-swab DNA collection is non-invasive and should not be painful.
The collector gently rubs a sterile swab against the inside of your cheek to collect cells.
For many people, the simplicity of the collection process is one of the most surprising parts of taking their first DNA test.
How Accurate Is DNA Testing?
Reliable DNA testing depends on several factors, including proper sample collection, sample identification and handling, the analytical methods used, and appropriate interpretation of the results.
This is why choosing a professional DNA testing provider and following the correct collection procedure are important.
It is also essential that clients provide accurate information and follow instructions given before and during sample collection.
Your Privacy Matters
DNA contains highly personal information.
Confidentiality is therefore be maintained throughout the testing process—from the information provided when arranging the test to sample handling, laboratory analysis, reporting, and the delivery of results.
CTS recognizes the importance of treating client information and DNA testing documentation with appropriate care and confidentiality.
Do You Need a Personal or Legal DNA Test?
Before scheduling your test, consider how you intend to use the results.
A test taken simply for your own information may have different procedural requirements from a DNA test intended for a legal, court-related, or other official purpose.
Legal testing may require documented identification, witnessed collection, and chain-of-custody procedures.
If there is any possibility that you will need the result for an official purpose, tell CTS before the test is performed. This allows the appropriate procedure to be identified before sample collection.
What Should You Bring to Your Appointment?
The exact requirements depend on your test.
You may be asked to provide identification or other documentation, particularly when formal verification procedures apply.
CTS provides relevant instructions in the “Things to Know” document that you receive when arranging your appointment, so that you know what to expect before arriving for sample collection.
Why Choose CTS for DNA Testing?
DNA testing often involves questions that are deeply important to individuals and families. Clients deserve a process that is professional, understandable, confidential, and focused on producing reliable results.
Concurrent Technologies & Services Ltd. (CTS) provides DNA testing services supported by professional sample collection and laboratory analysis, helping clients obtain the answers they need with confidence.
From your first inquiry through sample collection and delivery of your results, the goal is to make the process as straightforward as possible.
Ready to Get Started?
Whether this is your first DNA test or you need testing for a specific purpose, the CTS team can help you understand the process and determine the appropriate next step.
Contact Concurrent Technologies & Services Ltd. today to discuss your DNA testing needs and schedule your sample collection.
Email: cts@ctsng.com
Phone: +234 703 909 5441
Frequently Asked Questions About DNA Testing
Does a DNA test require blood?
Not always. Many DNA tests can be performed using cells collected with a simple cheek swab.
Does cheek-swab DNA collection hurt?
No. The swab is gently rubbed against the inside of the cheek and is generally quick and painless.
Can children take a DNA test?
Cheek-swab collection is non-invasive and can be used for adults and children when appropriate for the test being performed.
How long does it take to get DNA test results?
Processing times vary depending on the type of DNA test and the circumstances involved. CTS can provide an expected timeframe for the specific test you request. Our standard turnaround time is 2-4 weeks for routine cases.
Can I use my DNA test results for legal purposes?
Tests intended for legal or official use may require additional identification, witnessed collection, documentation, and chain-of-custody procedures. Make your intended use clear before testing.
Is my DNA testing information confidential?
DNA testing involves sensitive personal information, so appropriate confidentiality and secure handling of client information, samples, and results are taken throughout the process.