The DNA Shoah collection kit is easy and painless to use.  Each kit contains two cheek brushes and two screw cap collection tubes. Each tube contains a clea, soapy liquid which preserves your sample and prevents bacterial growth. This liquid is not harmful if you happen to get it on your skin. Each individual submitting a sample will use both brushes and tubes. We will mail out a kit free of charge to anyone who requests one, anywhere in the world.

Instructions for use

Please remember, we cannot accept any sample without a signed DNA Shoah Consent Form.

1. Open one swab pouch by peeling the plastic layer from the paper, much like opening a bandage.

2. Hold the brush at the center. 

3. Firmly scrape the inside of your right cheek with the ridged end of the brush.  Continue brushing the inside of your cheek for at least 30 seconds. This should feel similar to brushing your teeth, only on the inside of your cheek.  A firm and thorough scraping yields the best sample, but it is not necessary to cause yourself pain nor induce bleeding.

4. Once swabbing is complete, remove the brush from your mouth and open one of the sealed collection tubes. (This may be done by a second person)

5. The thin end of the brush opposite the ridged cheek scraper acts as a plunger to eject the ridged tip of the brush.

6. Place the ridged tip of the brush in the liquid and, using your thumb, squarely apply pressure to the plunger.

7. The ridged cheek scraper should eject into the soapy liquid.

8. Firmly screw the lid of the collection vial closed and be sure that the cheek brush is inside the tube.

9. Place one of the bar code labels (provided in your kit) lengthwise along the side of each tube.

Repeat steps 1-8 using the unopened swab.  You should swab your left cheek, or opposite cheek of the first swabbing.  This is to ensure that each swab has a high cheek cell count.  Eject the second swab into the second tube and seal the tube tightly. Once the ridged tips have been ejected, the sticks may be discarded.