How to collect your DNA sample

Collecting your DNA sample is quick and easy. Just follow the instructions for your region below to register your kit and collect your sample correctly.

Before you collect your sample: Do not eat, drink, smoke, brush your teeth, or chew gum for at least 1 hour before collecting. If you forget and need to start over, email support@selfdecode.com to purchase a replacement kit.

US customers only: buccal (cheek) swab DNA test kit

Your DNA kit includes two soft swabs to collect cells from inside your cheek and two vials to preserve your sample.

Before you swab

  1. Verify your vial numbers: make sure the numbers on both vials match. If they don't, contact support@selfdecode.com.
  2. Register your kit: go to www.selfdecode.com/app/register to register your kit. Your unique barcode is on the side of your vial.

Sample collection guidelines

For the highest-quality DNA sample, follow these two simple steps before collecting.

Step 1 — For at least 1 hour before collecting your sample, do not:

  • Brush your teeth or use mouthwash
  • Eat or drink anything other than water — especially hot and/or sugary food or beverages
  • Smoke, chew tobacco, or use any tobacco or herbal dips

Step 2 — Immediately before swabbing, rinse your mouth gently and briefly with clear water.

This is the single most effective step for a high-quality collection. A gentle rinse with clear water right before swabbing significantly reduces non-human genome content (such as bacterial DNA), giving you the best possible results. Do not rinse too vigorously, as that could reduce the epithelial cells we need.

🚫🦷 If the person being tested wears dentures or partials, remove and clean them with plain water, and make sure the mouth is free of any denture adhesives, oral analgesics, or clove oil. Denture adhesives destroy the DNA in samples and make them unusable, and analgesics may contaminate the sample.

Collection instructions

  1. Follow the instructions in your kit to collect cheek cell samples:

  2. Place the samples in the biohazard bag, then into the return envelope.

Medical concerns to consider

  • Certain medications and procedures used to treat cancer can disrupt the structure of DNA and lead to sample failures.
  • If you're undergoing chemotherapy or radiation in cycles, wait until just before the next cycle to swab. If your radiation therapy is focused on the head or mouth, contact Customer Support with the specific details before swabbing. Radiation therapy in other areas of the body is not likely to affect the test.
  • If the person being tested has had stem cell therapy with cells other than their own, or a bone marrow transplant, the sample likely won't accurately reflect their own genetic makeup.

Mailing your kit

  • Return: use the prepaid USPS return envelope to mail your kit back to us.
  • Processing time: results will be ready within 2–3 weeks after delivery to the lab. We'll email you when your results are available.

Have questions about the collection process? Reach out to our support team at support@selfdecode.com.

International (non-US) WGS kits and Mexico customers: dry swab DNA test kit

Before you start

  1. Verify your kit: the kit number on the plastic pouches should match the kit number on the box. If they don't match, contact support@selfdecode.com.
  2. Register your kit: go to www.selfdecode.com/app/register to register your kit. Your unique barcode is on the side of your vial.

Collection instructions

  1. On a clean surface, open one swab and set the pouch aside for later.
  2. Insert the swab into your mouth and scrape the inside of your cheek for 45 seconds, rotating the swab firmly.
  3. Place the swab on a clean paper towel and let it air-dry for at least 30 minutes. Make sure it's completely dry before continuing.
  4. Repeat steps 1–2 on the opposite cheek using the second swab. Keep the two swabs from touching each other.
  5. Once dry, return each swab to its original pouch and seal them.
  6. Place the sealed pouches into the provided return envelope, seal it, and mail it back.

Mailing your kit

All WGS kits are returned to our lab in Texas, USA. Learn how to return your DNA kit here.

Follow these instructions to mail your kit back to us from Mexico.

Have questions about the collection process? Reach out to our support team at support@selfdecode.com.

International (non-US) customers: buccal (cheek) swab DNA test kit

Registration and sample collection

  1. Register your kit: follow the instructions in your kit box or visit www.selfdecode.com/app/register/.
  2. Collect your sample: scan the QR code on your kit box or visit www.selfdecode.com/en/instructions/ for detailed collection instructions.

  3. Prepare your sample for mailing: insert the swab into the clear plastic bag and fold over the top to seal it with the barcode sticker provided in your kit. Place the sealed bag into the mailer envelope.

Mailing your kit

  • Request your prepaid return label: visit www.selfdecode.com/app/request-return-label/ to request your return label.
  • Processing time: results will be ready within 2–3 weeks after delivery to the lab. We'll email you when your results are available.

Note: We're unable to provide return labels for some countries at this time. Check the complete list.

Ordered before August 1, 2024? Saliva sample DNA test kit

Please email support@selfdecode.com for help ordering a new DNA test kit.

Looking for help with your results?

SelfDecode gives you two AI-powered ways to explore your health data:

  • AI Hyperintelligence — your built-in AI health coach, available right inside your account.
  • MCP integration — connect your SelfDecode data to ChatGPT or Claude for AI-powered insights using your own account.

Want more from your SelfDecode plan?

The Ultimate Bundle includes all of our current premium reports in one package:

Upgrade from your dashboard, or email support@selfdecode.com with questions.

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