CHEEK SWAB DNA TEST

WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW

mobile dna testing nyc

DNA Test Blood vs DNA Swab Test (Pros & Cons)

When performing a paternity test or any related DNA test. There are two method for collecting your DNA sample which are blood samples and cheek swab samples. In each method, DNA rich cells are extracted and analyzed to produce your result. The only difference between two methods is how the DNA samples are collected. As it currently stands, neither method has proven to be more accurate than the other. So choosing the best option will depend upon your preference.

Buccal Cheek Swabs for DNA Collection

When people opt to perform a paternity test or another for of DNA relationship testing. The most used method is known as buccal swab collection.

How does it work?

The use of buccal swab requires the insertion of a buccal swab in the mouth. The swab is then scraped up and down inside of your cheek for a period of 30 to 60 seconds. Each swab air dried for 30 seconds and placed back in an envelope or container. Upon completion of your samples. Just place each specimen in the prepaid envelope and ship back to the lab.

Blood DNA Collections

When people opt to use this method of DNA sample collection. There is always a needle involved. Below are the two blood draw options we provide.

1. Blood draw through a needle in your arm.

2. Blood draw through pricking your finger and placing the specimen on a blood draw card. (popular option)

Pros and Cons of Swab and Blood DNA Sample Collections

Pros – Swab collections have a number of advantages:
No needle is used and no puncture of the skin is necessary
It’s a quick, non-invasive procedure, with no pain involved
The DNA collected is good indefinitely after collection if stored properly
Most Geneticists prefer the easier extraction process from a testing point of view
Patients usually are more relaxed and less stressed about the DNA collection process and feeling any pain
They’re relatively affordable to collect.


The main possible con to this method is the possibility of bacteria attacking the cells if the swabs are not properly air-dried.

dna testing with blood paternity

Here are some of the Pros to Blood DNA Sample Collections:

Below are a few of the pros.

  • Clean blood in proper tubes minimizes chances of contamination
  • Fast and quick procedure
  • Blood samples are visible

There are quite a few cons too:

  • If a person has recently had a blood transfusion before a sample is drawn, the results could show two separate DNA profiles
  • Needles puncture the skin—patients will feel some degree of pain
  • Multiple attempts may be required to insert the needle into smaller, thinner blood veins
  • Possible screaming and crying if children are required to get a DNA blood sample
  • Blood samples are fast to collect, though not as quick as swab samples.

If you would like to learn more about DNA Tests NYC paternity testing or any other DNA relationship testing service we provide. Please do not hesitate to contact our office today at 646-383-9778 for an appointment.

Frequently Asked Questions

This is a question often asked by many people inquiring about DNA relationship testing services and they want to perform a paternity test by collecting the samples themselves. There is no set required time frames but we recommend 4-6 months of holding on to a DNA swab sample. Remember, DNA will remain on the swab sample as long as the environment is conducive of the survival of the DNA sample.

Another important thing to know about handling DNA swab samples is how they should be handled in order to have the highest frequency of not contaminating the sample. Here is the best way we suggest you accomplish this. First, collect the DNA sample and place the cotton swabs inside of DNA sample collection envelope you received inside of your DNA test kit. If you collected the sample before you purchased a DNA test kit. We recommend that you place your swabs in a paper envelope.

It important to note, placing DNA Swab samples inside of a Ziploc bag may seriously contaminate your sample which may make it difficult for the laboratory to effectively extract DNA from the swab. If you would like to learn more about DNA Tests NYC paternity testing or any other DNA relationship testing service we provide. Please do not hesitate to contact our office today at 646-383-9778 for an appointment.

The use of a buccal swab to perform a paternity test or any other DNA relationship option allows you to avoid pain from a blood draw. Buccal swab for DNA testing purposes has similar accuracy as a blood DNA test when performed. The only difference is, no needles and no pain. If you would like to learn more about DNA Tests NYC paternity testing or any other DNA relationship testing service we provide. Please do not hesitate to contact our office today at 646-383-9778 for an appointment.

This is a question often asked by many people inquiring about DNA relationship testing services and they want to perform a paternity test by collecting the samples themselves. There is no set required time frames but we recommend 4-6 months of holding on to a DNA swab sample. Remember, DNA will remain on the swab sample as long as the environment is conducive of the survival of the DNA sample.

Another important thing to know about handling DNA swab samples is how they should be handled in order to have the highest frequency of not contaminating the sample. Here is the best way we suggest you accomplish this. First, collect the DNA sample and place the cotton swabs inside of DNA sample collection envelope you received inside of your DNA test kit. If you collected the sample before you purchased a DNA test kit. We recommend that you place your swabs in a paper envelope.

It important to note, placing DNA Swab samples inside of a Ziploc bag may seriously contaminate your sample which may make it difficult for the laboratory to effectively extract DNA from the swab. If you would like to learn more about DNA Tests NYC paternity testing or any other DNA relationship testing service we provide. Please do not hesitate to contact our office today at 646-383-9778 for an appointment.

What To Expect From Our Service:

Fast, Accurate, and Affordable DNA results in 2-3 business days.
DNA Sample Collection Technicians with over 10 plus years of experience.
Easy Appointment set-up.
No additional cost Mobile DNA Sample Collection services within the five boroughs
No Hidden Fees.
Facilities that we partner with are accredited by AABB to conduct legal, chain of custody testing.
Results are recognized by USCIS, Embassies, Passport Agencies, and Family Courts.