Please Note--Read this entire sheet before you begin your specimen collection.  Scraping should be done before eating or at least 30 minutes after eating or drinking.  Avoid warm or hot fluids before scraping.

1.   With clean hands carefully open the plastic wrapper without damaging the scraper.  Cutting the plastic with scissors is a good method.

2.   Using the cheek scraper, scrape forcefully inside the cheek many times (about 60 seconds) on each cheek.  A great scrape gives us a great sample!  A weak scrape will yield less DNA and may cause a several weeks delay.

3.   Remove one of the small specimen tubes unscrew the top, and carefully place the scraper carefully in the tube, just under the soapy solution.  (Please do not jam the scraper to the bottom of the tube... it is difficult to retrieve)!

4.   Gently push on the plunger at the end of the applicator stick opposite to the scraper, ejecting the scraper into the soapy solution.

5.   Now that the scraper tip is in the tube, remove the plastic applicator handle, leaving the scraper tip in the tube.  Twist the cap onto the bottle securely.  The tube must be shut tightly to insure the quality of your sample.  Remember the scraper tip must be inside the tube.  The tube with the scraper tip should be left at room temperature.  However, it will not be harmed by winter or summer temperatures when sent by regular mail.

6.   The number on the tube should correspond to the number on your Release Form.

7.   We have supplied 2 swab kits and collection tubes to insure accuracy.  Perform the second scraping at least 8 hours after taking the first specimen.

8.   Send back via US mail, in the self-addressed envelope provided.  If payment has not yet been made, please make sure to write the Kit AND Invoice numbers on the check.  This will ensure that payment is correctly assigned to your order.