If you just ordered a home DNA test kit — or you're thinking about it — you probably want to know exactly what shows up at your door. Fair enough. There's no reason to guess about what's inside or wonder whether you need to buy anything extra. Here's the full list of materials for paternity testing with a USDC home kit, what each item does, and how to use it.
What's physically in the box
When your USDC home paternity test kit arrives, the packaging is plain and discreet. There's no big label on the outside announcing what's inside. Open it up and you'll find:
- Sterile cheek swabs — You get a set of swabs for each person being tested. These are soft-tipped cotton or foam swabs, individually wrapped. They look similar to long Q-tips, but they're designed specifically for collecting cells from the inside of your cheek.
- Collection envelopes — One labeled envelope per person. After swabbing, each person's samples go into their own envelope so the lab can keep them separate and properly identified.
- Step-by-step instruction sheet — A printed guide that walks you through the whole process. It covers how to do the swab, how to label everything, common mistakes to avoid, and what to do when you're finished.
- Consent and registration form — A short form where you fill in basic information about each person being tested. This is how the lab connects your physical samples to your account and makes sure results go to the right place.
- Prepaid return envelope — A pre-addressed, postage-paid envelope for mailing everything back to the lab. You don't need to pay for return shipping or find your own envelope.
That's it. Everything you need to collect your samples and send them in is right there in the kit. You don't need to supply anything else.
How to use each item
The instruction sheet covers this in detail, but here's a walkthrough so you know what to expect before the kit even arrives.
Step 1: Check the contents
Open the kit and make sure everything listed above is there. Lay it out on a clean surface — a kitchen table or countertop works fine. If anything looks damaged or is missing, contact us before you start.
Step 2: Fill out the registration form
Before you touch the swabs, fill out the consent and registration form. You'll need basic info: names, dates of birth, and the relationship between the people being tested (for example, alleged father and child). This step takes a couple of minutes. Do it first so you don't accidentally handle the swabs with anything on your fingers.
Step 3: Collect the cheek swabs
Each person being tested should not eat, drink, smoke, or chew gum for at least 30 minutes before swabbing. This isn't about the swab itself — it's about keeping food particles and other stuff out of the sample so the lab gets a clean read.
To collect a sample, take one swab out of its wrapper and rub it firmly along the inside of your cheek for about 30 to 60 seconds. You want to press hard enough that you're scraping cells off the cheek lining, but it shouldn't hurt. Think of it more like brushing your teeth than tickling your cheek. Repeat with the remaining swabs on the other cheek. The kit provides multiple swabs per person so the lab has backup material if needed.
For a deeper look at the science behind what happens next, our step-by-step guide to how DNA testing works covers the full process from swab to results.
Step 4: Package the samples
Let the swabs air-dry for about a minute. Then place each person's swabs into their labeled collection envelope. Don't mix them up — the lab needs to know which samples belong to which person. Seal the envelopes.
Step 5: Mail it back
Put the sealed collection envelopes and your completed registration form into the prepaid return envelope. Drop it in the mail. That's the last thing you need to do until results are ready.
What you don't need to provide
One of the most common questions people have before ordering is whether they'll need to deal with blood draws, saliva tubes, or anything uncomfortable. The answer is no.
USDC kits use buccal (cheek) swabs only. There are no needles, no blood collection, and no saliva spit tubes. The swab is painless and works for adults, children, and newborns. If you've been putting off testing because you pictured a trip to a clinic or a blood draw, this is a lot simpler than that.
You also don't need to provide your own packaging, postage, or any kind of preservative solution. Everything is included.
Common questions about the swabs
Do the swabs expire?
The swabs are sterile and individually wrapped, so they have a long shelf life. That said, it's best to use your kit within a few months of receiving it rather than letting it sit around for a year. If your kit has been sitting in a drawer for a while, check the packaging for any expiration info or reach out to us.
What if I swab wrong?
The most common mistake is not pressing firmly enough or not swabbing long enough. A light, quick touch might not pick up enough cells. Follow the timing in the instructions — 30 to 60 seconds per swab, with real pressure against the cheek. If you're collecting from a baby or young child, you can gently hold the swab against the inside of the cheek while they're calm.
Can I eat or drink right before?
Wait at least 30 minutes after eating, drinking anything other than water, smoking, or chewing gum. Food residue won't ruin DNA, but it can interfere with the lab's extraction process and potentially delay your results.
What if I drop a swab on the floor?
Don't use it. A contaminated swab can introduce someone else's DNA or bacteria that makes the sample harder to process. Use one of the other swabs in your kit. If you've used all of them and had an issue, contact us and we'll work it out.
How to register your kit
Besides the paper form in the box, you'll also want to register your kit online. When you receive your kit, there's a unique identifier that ties your physical samples to your account. Registering online means you can check your order status and receive results electronically instead of waiting for mail.
If you ordered through our website, much of this is already linked to your order. The instructions in the kit explain exactly what to do, and it takes about two minutes. If you run into trouble with registration, our support team can walk you through it.
What happens after you mail it back
Once the lab receives your samples, the actual testing process begins. Your cheek swab cells are broken open to extract DNA, and the lab analyzes up to 28 genetic markers to determine the biological relationship between the tested individuals. That's more markers than the industry standard of 20, which helps produce clear, definitive results.
Our article on what happens at the lab goes into the technical side if you're curious about the science. And if you're wondering about the timeline, our full timeline breakdown covers what to expect from the day you order to the day you get results.
Standard order-to-results time is 7 to 10 business days. That includes shipping both ways and lab processing. Lab processing itself takes 2 to 3 business days after your samples arrive. If you need results faster, an express option is available during checkout that brings the total down to 5 to 7 business days.
When results are ready, you'll be able to view them through your account. If you need help understanding your report, we have a plain-language guide to reading paternity test results.
USDC home DNA test kits
US Diagnostics Center offers several home DNA test kits depending on the relationship you need to confirm. Every kit uses the same cheek swab collection method described above, and all lab fees are included in the price — no surprise charges after you order.
- Home Paternity Test Kit — $79. Tests an alleged father and child.
- Home Maternity Test Kit — $129. Tests an alleged mother and child.
- Sibling DNA Test — $139. Determines whether two people share one or both parents.
- Grandparent DNA Test — $139. Tests a grandparent and grandchild when a parent isn't available.
- Aunt/Uncle DNA Test — $139. Tests an aunt or uncle and a niece or nephew.
All kits analyze up to 28 genetic markers. USDC is BBB Accredited. For more detail on what to look for when choosing a kit, our complete buyer's guide covers pricing, accuracy, and what to watch out for.
Frequently asked questions
Is a home DNA test kit accurate?
Yes. The cheek swab method collects the same DNA you'd get from a blood sample. The accuracy of the test depends on the lab's analysis, not the collection method. USDC analyzes up to 28 genetic markers, which is above the industry standard. We have a detailed article on home test accuracy if you want to dig into the science.
Does the kit include a prepaid return envelope?
Yes. Every USDC kit comes with a prepaid, pre-addressed return envelope. You don't need to pay for return shipping.
Can I test a newborn baby?
Yes. Cheek swabs are safe for newborns. You just gently rub the swab along the inside of the baby's cheek. There's no minimum age requirement.
Do I need both parents to test?
For a standard paternity test, you need the alleged father and the child. The mother's participation is optional but can strengthen results. An option to add the mother's sample is available during checkout. For relationship tests like grandparent or sibling tests, the specific people needed depend on the situation — the instructions for each kit spell this out.
What if my samples get lost in the mail?
Contact us. We can discuss sending a replacement kit so you can recollect and try again.
Are results confidential?
Yes. Results are delivered through your secure online account. USDC does not share your results with anyone unless you authorize it or a court order requires it.
This article is part of our Understanding DNA Testing: How It Works and What to Expect guide.
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