PromicsEdge DNA Sample Collection Guide

Collecting your client's DNA sample is quick. Follow the instructions for your client's kit type and region below to register the kit and collect the sample correctly.

Important: For at least 1 hour before collecting, your client should not eat, drink, smoke, brush their teeth, or chew gum. If your client forgets and needs to start over, email support@promicsedge.com to purchase a replacement kit.

Buccal (Cheek) Swab DNA Test Kit

US Clients

The kit includes two soft swabs to collect cells from inside the cheek and two vials to preserve the sample.

Before Collecting

1. Verify the barcode: Make sure the numbers on both vials match. If they don't, contact support@promicsedge.com.
2. Register the kit:

• If you ordered a kit for a specific client, registration is not required
• If you gave the kit to your client from your in-office stock, register it first. See registration instructions here.

Sample Collection Guidelines

For the highest-quality sample, instruct your client to follow two steps:

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

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

Step 2 — Immediately before swabbing, rinse the 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). Do not rinse too vigorously, as it can remove important epithelial cells.

Note: If your client wears dentures or partials, remove and clean them with plain water. The mouth should be free of denture adhesives, oral analgesics, and clove oil. Denture adhesives destroy DNA in samples and make them unusable, and analgesics can contaminate the sample.

Collection Instructions

1. Follow the instructions below to collect the cheek cell sample.

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

Mailing Your Kit

• Return: Use the prepaid USPS return envelope to mail your kit back to us. You can schedule a USPS pickup or drop the kit off at your local post office.
• Processing Time: Results will be ready within 2-3 weeks after delivery to the lab. You'll receive an email when your results are available.

RapiDry Swab DNA Test Kit

International Clients

Before Collecting

1. Verify the barcode: Make sure the numbers on both vials match. If they don't, contact support@promicsedge.com.
2. Register the kit:

• If you ordered a kit for a specific client, registration is not required
• If you gave the kit to your client from your in-office stock, register it first. See registration instructions here.

Registration and Sample Collection

Scan the QR code on the kit box or visit www.selfdecode.com/en/instructions/ for detailed collection instructions.

Mailing Your Kit

Most international customers can request a prepaid return label. Request your return label here — it will be emailed to you within 3–5 business days.

If you received a prepaid return label inside your kit, use that one instead.

Your DNA sample will not expire while you wait for your return label. 

See DNA kit return instructions.

• Processing Time: Results will be ready within 2-3 weeks after delivery to the lab. You'll receive an email when your results are available.

WGS Dry Swab DNA Test Kit

Applies to all WGS kits and Latin American clients

Before Collecting

1. Verify the barcode: The kit number on the plastic pouches should match the kit number on the box. If they don't match, contact support@promicsedge.com.
2. Register the kit:

• If you ordered a kit for a specific client, registration is not required
• If you gave the kit to your client from your in-office stock, register it first. See registration instructions here.

Collection Instructions

1. On a clean surface, open one swab and set the pouch aside for later.
2. Insert the swab into the mouth and scrape the inside of the 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 is completely dry before proceeding.
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.

Returning Kits

• See DNA kit return instructions.

Saliva DNA Test Kit

These kits are no longer valid. Email support@promicsedge.com to purchase a replacement kit.

If you have any questions about the collection process, email support@promicsedge.com.