DNA Specimen Collections for Various DNA Tests in Kansas

Understanding the Right Collection Method for Your DNA Testing Needs

DNA testing has revolutionized how we verify relationships, investigate crimes, uncover ancestry, and assess genetic health risks. Thanks to significant scientific advances, today’s DNA collection is often simple, painless, and does not require blood—unless the test demands it.

At Test Smartly Labs, we specialize in secure, professional DNA specimen collection methods that align with the purpose of your test—whether it’s for paternity, forensic analysis, ancestry, or health screening. Here’s everything you need to know about the different types of specimen collection based on your specific testing needs.

 

1. Buccal Swab Specimen Collection

Best for: Paternity, Relationship, and Ancestry DNA Tests

The buccal swab is the most common and least invasive method for collecting DNA. A soft swab is rubbed against the inside of the cheek for 30–60 seconds to collect epithelial cells.

Why it’s preferred:

• Non-invasive and painless

• Just as accurate as blood DNA

• Ideal for both adults and children

• Quick collection process

Important notes for paternity testing:

• There are two types of paternity tests:

  • Legal paternity testing is court-admissible and must follow strict chain-of-custody procedures.

  • Non-legal testing is for personal knowledge only and not valid in legal settings.

• Legal testing must be performed by an AABB-accredited lab or through a certified partner, like Test Smartly Labs.

• Mouth rinsing with water and an antiseptic mouthwash is required before swabbing to reduce contamination.

We ensure every step follows legal protocols, especially for court-admissible tests and relationship verification.

 

2. Deceased DNA Specimen Collection

Best for: Post-Mortem Relationship or Identification DNA Tests

Sometimes, a DNA test is needed for someone who has passed away. While this is more complex, it is possible under specific conditions.

Common methods include:

• Stored blood samples from the coroner’s office (should be requested promptly—often destroyed within 1–2 years)

• Fingernail clippings, hair, or skin samples if retrieved shortly after death (within a few days)

• In rare, extreme legal cases, exhumation may be performed—but this is costly and heavily regulated

If you need post-mortem DNA collection, our professionals will work with medical examiners and family members to secure a viable sample quickly and legally.

 

3. Prenatal (Pre-Birth) Paternity Blood Collection

Best for: Determining Paternity During Pregnancy

During pregnancy, non-invasive prenatal paternity (NIPP) testing can determine paternity as early as 5 weeks gestation. This method involves a standard blood draw from the mother, which contains fetal DNA.

How it works:

• Maternal blood contains trace fetal DNA

• The DNA is isolated and compared with the alleged father’s DNA

• Several tubes of blood are drawn to ensure an adequate sample

Benefits of NIPP testing at Test Smartly Labs:

• No risk to the fetus

• Pain-free for the baby

• Reliable and safe when performed under clinical conditions

This method offers peace of mind during pregnancy and is useful for legal or personal paternity clarification before birth.

 

Why Choose Test Smartly Labs?

No matter what type of DNA test you need, we provide:

• Certified specimen collectors

• AABB-accredited lab partnerships for legal testing

• Fast, secure sample handling

• Strict privacy and chain-of-custody procedures

• Testing across all major categories: Paternity, Forensics, Ancestry, Health, and Legal

 

What DNA Can Reveal

If you haven’t cracked open a biology book in a while—here’s a quick refresher:

DNA, short for deoxyribonucleic acid, is the molecule that encodes your genetic blueprint. Found in all living organisms, DNA impacts everything from your eye color and height to your risk for inherited diseases. With 99.9% of DNA identical across humans, the remaining 0.1% reveals our unique traits, relationships, and origins.

Why take a DNA test?

• Verify paternity or family relationships

• Explore your ancestry and ethnicity

• Uncover potential genetic health conditions

• Prepare identification tools for child safety or emergency scenarios

 

How to Prepare for Your DNA or Paternity Test

To ensure smooth testing, please come prepared with:

• Government-issued ID

• For children: Birth certificate, Social Security card, or insurance card

• TSL Intake Form & HIPAA Disclosure

• Authorizations to release results

• Be ready to have a photo taken of all parties tested

• Do not eat anything (especially meat, veggies, or for infants—breast milk) within one hour of testing

• Stay hydrated, especially for prenatal blood testing

• Participants may be tested at different Test Smartly Labs locations—coordination is key

 

Schedule Your DNA Collection at Test Smartly Labs

We proudly serve clients across Kansas and Missouri, with walk-in availability and scheduled appointments at:

• Kansas City

• Overland Park

• Independence

We also partner with nationwide collection sites to support clients across the U.S.

Schedule a Test | Walk In Today | Contact Us for More Info

 

Frequently Asked Questions

What Are Your Hours?

All Test Smartly Labs are open Monday through Friday, from 9am – 5pm

Do We Need To Have An Appointment?

No appointment is required to come into our labs, and all of our locations are on a walk-in basis. However, it is recommended you arrive at least 30 minutes prior to closing. If your situation requires special time considerations, please call us to determine if it would be better to arrange an appointment time.

Do I Need Doctors’ Orders For Testing?

No doctors’ orders needed, we are a Direct-Access Testing Center. You are encouraged to consult your medical professional with your lab test results.

What’s The Turnaround Time For Lab Work?

Average turnaround time is 2-5 business days depending on the complexity of the lab work. Most tests are available in 2-3 days.

Do You Need A List Of My Medications For A Drug Test?

Per protocol, the lab techs are not allowed to receive or ask for your medications. A medical review officer or MRO, a licensed physician who specializes in toxicology, will call you and ask for your medications and your physician’s phone number if it’s detected in your sample during testing. The MRO will then call your physician to verify your medications.

 

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