DNA Test Kit Instructions

Important: Register Your Kit First

Before collecting your sample, you must:

Find your barcode - It's on a white label on the tube itself (not the cap or packaging)
Register your kit - Link the barcode to your account so we can deliver your results
Follow the collection steps - Complete the process outlined below

Warning: Unregistered kits cannot be processed. Register before collecting your sample.

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Before You Begin: 30-Minute Preparation

⏰ Required 30-Minute Waiting Period

To ensure accurate results, you must wait at least 30 minutes after:

Eating any food or snacks
Drinking anything (including water)
Smoking or using tobacco products
Chewing gum or mints
Brushing teeth or using mouthwash

Why the wait?

Food particles, drinks, and oral care products can contaminate your saliva sample and may cause your test to fail.

Purpose: Your saliva sample will be used for genetic genealogy research to help connect African diaspora families.

Best time to collect:

First thing in the morning (before breakfast)
Before lunch (if you ate breakfast early)
At least 30 minutes after any meal

What's In Your Kit

Your SafeCollect DNA kit contains everything needed for sample collection:

How your kit looks when first opened:

Kit Components:

1

SafeCollect Collection Kit

Complete saliva collection system containing three components: a clear collection tube (0.75 in × 4.3 in) pre-filled with 2mL of DNA/RNA Shield™ preservative solution, a funnel attachment for easy sample collection, and a special cap with piercing mechanism. The kit keeps your genetic material stable at room temperature.

Items in the SafeCollect Collection Kit:

Collection Tube

Funnel Attachment

Tube Cap

2

Biohazard Specimen Transport Bag with Absorbent

Clear plastic biohazard specimen transport bag (4 in × 6 in) with absorbent strip (3 in × 4 in). This secondary packaging provides leak protection and meets regulatory requirements for shipping human specimens.

3

Small Return Box

Small white cardboard box (5 in × 3 in × 1 in) for returning your sample. This rigid outer packaging protects your saliva during shipping and meets regulatory requirements.

4

Tamper-Proof Stickers

Clear adhesive tamper-proof stickers for sealing the small box. These security seals ensure your sample remains protected and unopened during shipping.

5

Return Envelope

Postage pre-paid return envelope with "Exempt Human Specimen" label on the back for sending your sample back to our laboratory.

Missing items? Contact us immediately at contact@takir.org

Collection Steps

Follow these 5 simple steps to collect your DNA sample:

1

Prepare for Collection

Check that you have not eaten, drunk, smoked, chewed gum, or brushed your teeth for at least 30 minutes. Wash your hands with soap and water. Find a clean, flat surface to work on.

Reminder: You should have already waited 30 minutes after eating, drinking, smoking, or brushing teeth.

2

Position the Funnel

Hold the collection tube vertically. Attach the funnel firmly to the top of the tube. Make sure the funnel is seated tightly to prevent leaks.

3

Collect Saliva Sample

Spit saliva into the funnel repeatedly. Continue until the liquid saliva (not foam or bubbles) reaches the fill line marked on the tube. This typically takes 2-5 minutes. Do not include bubbles in your measurement.

Tip: If you have difficulty producing saliva, try gently rubbing your cheeks or thinking about your favorite food.

4

Secure the Cap

Remove the funnel by holding the tube vertically and twisting it off. Discard the funnel. Hold the tube vertically and firmly press the cap down, then turn it clockwise until you hear it click. The liquid that stabilizes your DNA in the saliva will be released.

5

Mix the Sample

Shake the closed tube vigorously at least 10 times. Your sample is now stabilized and preserved.

Success! Your sample is now preserved and ready to ship.

Collection Complete!

Once you've completed all 5 steps, your sample is ready to return. Make sure you've registered your kit before shipping.

Register Kit View Shipping Instructions Print Quick Reference Card

Return Shipping Instructions

Follow these steps to safely return your sample to our lab:

1

Prepare Your Sample Tube

Ensure your collection tube is properly sealed and the cap is tightly closed.

Important: Double-check that you've registered your kit barcode before shipping!

2

Place in Biohazard Bag with Absorbent

Place the sealed collection tube into the clear plastic biohazard specimen transport bag (4 in × 6 in) along with the absorbent strip. This secondary packaging meets regulatory requirements for shipping exempt human specimens.

Insert the tube into the clear biohazard specimen bag
Place the white absorbent strip (3 in × 4 in) alongside the tube in the bag
Press the seal strip firmly to close the biohazard bag completely

Safety Note: The absorbent strip can absorb the entire contents if needed, meeting triple packaging requirements for specimen transport.

3

Place in Small Return Box

Put the sealed biohazard bag (containing your tube and absorbent) into the small white cardboard box (5 in × 3 in × 1 in). This rigid outer packaging completes the triple-packaging system required for specimen transport.

Place the biohazard bag in the box
Close the box flaps
Use one of the clear adhesive seals provided to secure the box closed

Tip: The box should close easily without forcing. If it's too tight, check that the biohazard bag is properly folded.

4

Seal in Prepaid Return Envelope

Place the small box containing your sample into the prepaid FedEx return envelope (6 in × 9 in) provided with your kit. This envelope has an "Exempt Human Specimen" label for proper handling.

Insert the box into the FedEx envelope
Remove the adhesive strip cover
Press firmly to seal the envelope completely
Verify the shipping address and "Exempt Human Specimen" label are visible

5

Schedule FedEx Pickup

Call FedEx to schedule a pickup or drop off your package at any FedEx location.

Schedule Pickup

Call FedEx at 1-800-GoFedEx (1-800-463-3339)
Say "Schedule a Pickup"
Provide your address
Package will be picked up next business day

Drop Off Options

FedEx Office locations
FedEx Ship Centers
FedEx Drop Boxes
Find locations at fedex.com/locate

Shipping is FREE! Your kit includes prepaid return postage - no additional charges.

Track Your Sample

Keep your FedEx tracking number from the envelope for your records. You'll receive an email confirmation when we receive your sample at the lab.

Expected delivery to lab: 2-5 business days after shipping

What Happens Next

Sample Received 3-5 days
DNA Extraction 1-2 weeks
Quality Check 2-3 days
Analysis Begins Ongoing
Results Available 6-8 weeks

Troubleshooting

Try gently rubbing your cheeks or thinking about your favorite food. Ensure you're well hydrated (but remember not to drink for 30 minutes before collection).

If you spill the preservative liquid, do not use the kit. Contact support for a replacement kit.

Contact support for a replacement kit.

Try better lighting or manually enter the barcode number. The number is printed below the barcode image on your tube.

Need Help?

Email: contact@takir.org
FAQ: Frequently Asked Questions