PromicsEdge DNA Sample Collection Guide
PromicsEdge DNA Kit Collection Instructions
Collecting your client's DNA sample is quick and easy. Follow the instructions for your client's specific region to register their kit and collect their sample correctly.
Before Collecting the Sample:
Please ensure your client does not eat, drink, smoke, brush your teeth, or chew gum for at least 1 hour before collecting. If your client forgets and needs to start over, email support@selfdecode.com to purchase a replacement kit.
Buccal (Cheek) Swab DNA Test Kit with Vials
US Clients
Your DNA kit includes two soft swabs to collect cells from inside your client's cheek and two vials to preserve their sample.
Before Collecting:
- Verify Barcode: Make sure the numbers on both vials match. If they don't, contact support@promicsedge.com.
- Register Kit: If you gave the kit to your client from your in-office stock, the kit will need to be registered. Please see here for registration instructions and guidelines.
The DNA kit includes two soft swabs, which are used to collect cells from the inner lining of your client's cheek (buccal cells).
Sample Collection Guidelines
For the highest-quality DNA sample, please instruct your clients to follow these two simple steps:
Step 1 — For at least 1 hour before collecting the 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 thoroughly with clear water.
This is the single most effective step for a high-quality collection. A thorough rinse with clear water right before swabbing significantly reduces non-human genome content (such as bacterial DNA), giving you the best possible results.
🚫🦷 If the tester wears dentures or partials, dentures should be removed and cleaned with plain water, and the mouth should be free of any denture adhesives, oral analgesics or clove oil. Denture adhesives destroy DNA in samples and make them unusable and analgesics may contaminate the sample.
Collection Instructions:
- Follow the below instructions to collect your client's cheek cell sample:

- Place the samples in the biohazard bag and then into the return envelope.
Returning Kits
RapiDry Swab DNA Test Kit
International Customers
Before Collecting:
- Verify Barcode: Make sure the numbers on both vials match. If they don't, contact support@promicsedge.com.
- Register Kit: If you gave the kit to your client from your in-office stock, the kit will need to be registered. Please see here for registration instructions and guidelines.
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:
WGS Dry Swab DNA Test Kit
Applies to all WGS kits and Latin American customers
Before Collecting
- Verify 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.
- Register Kit: If you gave the kit to your client from your in-office stock, the kit will need to be registered. Please see here for registration instructions and guidelines.
Collection Instructions
- On a clean surface, open one swab and set the pouch aside for later.
- Insert the swab into your mouth and scrape the inside of your cheek for 45 seconds, rotating the swab firmly.
- 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 proceeding.
- Repeat steps 1-2 on the opposite cheek using the second swab. Keep the two swabs from touching each other.
- Once dry, return each swab to its original pouch and seal them.
- Place the sealed pouches into the provided return envelope, seal it, and mail it back.
Returning Kits
Saliva DNA Test Kit
These kits are no longer valid — please email support@selfdecode.com to purchase a replacement kit
If you have any questions about the collection process, please email support@promicsedge.com.