4.2) How It Works – Ordering and Collecting Your Sample
For such a sophisticated test, collecting the sample is easy and can be done anywhere. This makes it simple to incorporate into your business and to get results. Here is how to order your genetic testing reports.
Ordering
It is simple and easy to order, swab and get the DNA results. So how do you take a DNA test? Good news! It’s a simple cheek swab. No blood, no needles, no messy spit! You can order directly online.
PTBA provides links to order https://www.dnapower.com/ref/PTBA. You simply choose which test(s) you would like to order, add them to the cart and pay online. Once you have ordered a genetic report, the company will ship a genetic testing kit to you. You take the cheek swab sample and mail it back. The company will then process your DNA and let you know when your results are ready. You can then login to your secure portal to view your results and book a consultation.
If you become a Certified Genetic Diet, Fitness and Health Specialist you have the option to stock the kits yourself or you can receive a special link for your clients to order that identifies you as the referring partner. A kit would then be mailed to them. Many partners prefer to have testing kits on-hand, so they can swab clients on the spot. Once a partner has swabbed their client, they mail the kit for processing at the lab.
Collecting your sample
What’s included in a genetic testing kit? Inside each envelope you will receive a testing swab (a fancy q-tip) and instructions on how to swab.
DNA is collected on buccal (cheek) swabs which is a painless, non-invasive and easy-to-use DNA collection method for self or assisted sample collection. These kits are designed to collect and stabilize DNA samples. Many of the swabs include a stabilization medium/liquid inside to ensure the integrity of the sample is maintained if there is a long delay in sending for processing.
It is important that you do not eat, drink or smoke for 30 minutes prior to swab collection to ensure the quality of the sample.
Collecting DNA is simple
For Genotec swabs – Open the package and take out the genetic testing swab being careful not to touch the end of the swab with your fingers.
- Insert the swab end into your mouth and pull down along the inside of the cheek 10 times.
- Repeat on the inside of the other cheek 10 times.
- Unscrew the top of the swab from the bottom handle (being careful not to let the liquid in the bottom tip out).
- Place the end of the swab into the liquid bottom and screw the lid on tightly.
- Tilt the tube, about 15 times to preserve and stabilize the sample.
That’s it. Your swab is now ready to be sent into the lab.
These kits can be registered online. Information is collected including email address, reports requested, swab barcode, a waiver or terms to agree to and a reminder that the genetic results are for informational and educational purposes only, not to diagnose disease and illness.
That’s it! You now know how to order, swab and send a genetic test.
In your genetic testing report, the genetic mutations identified will be hereditary mutations. When the saliva swab is taken, hereditary mutations are detected because they are present in all of the cells of the body.
In contrast sporadic or acquired mutations, such as the mutations in a cancerous cell, are not present in every cell and are generally not passed down through generations or apparent in the cheek swab.
Receiving Results
Once the swab is registered, it is sent back to dnaPower and the lab. Once received, it takes 14-30 days for processing, depending on the timing of the lab runs.
You will be kept up to date via email and through the portal on the process of the swab and report results. Once the reports are ready, you will be able to access them online.