The Testing Process
The DNA collection procedure is simple, painless, and effective as it only requires the participant to rub a Q-tip like swab on the inside of the cheek. The samples can be collected in the home and returned to the lab via regular mail. It is quick, easy, and private. When the sample arrives at the lab it is bar-coded so it can be tracked through the laboratory process separately from all your personal information. (See our Privacy Policy for more information.)
The first step your sample takes on the way to answering your genealogical question is DNA extraction and purification. Using a special chemical procedure the DNA is extracted and purified from cheek cells that were deposited on head of the swab.
The next step is amplification. In our state of the art high-throughput laboratory, your sample will be handled by a robot to ensure efficiency and accuracy. The portions of the DNA that are most informative will be amplified through a process called the polymerase chain reaction (PCR) in order to make the tiny molecules of DNA more detectable.
The third step is analysis. We use the latest technology in DNA testing to detect and record the data locked inside your DNA sample. The data is analyzed by our trained molecular analysts and reviewed by our Lab Manager.
Finally, the data is reported to you on a secure website and a Certificate of Analysis is mailed to you from our in-house accredited laboratory.
You have the option to choose to have your DNA destroyed after processing or to have it retained in storage for possible future testing.
