TOOTHBRUSH FOR DNA TESTING

Toothbrushes provide a good source of DNA and can be submitted in cases where it's impossible to get cheek swabs or blood samples. We have a 75% success rate in obtaining sufficient good quality DNA. To ensure that your samples provide a sufficient yield of good quality DNA, you need to collect as follows:

1. Take a recently used toothbrush preferably within 90 days of use

2. The toothbrush should have been used within 90 days

3. The toothbrush should not have been shared with other

4. The toothbrush should be left to dry for 30 minutes to 1 hour if wet in room temperature. Do not heat the toothbrush when drying it or expose it to direct sunlight

5. Place the toothbrush in a clean dry khaki envelope. Do not store in plastic bags as plastic can degrade DNA. Seal the envelope with cellotape. Label the top of the envelope accordingly with the name of the participant using the tootthbrush, , date of collection, date of birth, and relationship (e.g. child, alleged father, mother, sibling, uncle, aunt, or grandparent)

6. Send the labeled sample to the laboratory.

Points to Note:

1. The sample can be stored for later use.

2. Toothbrushes can be used to identify deceased individuals.

3. The total DNA yield from toothbrushes can be reduced by toothpaste that contains array of PCR inhibitors.

4. Samples may be contaminated with fecal plumes if stored in the bathroom.

5. Chemical composition of the bristles has the potential to affect the DNA yield.

DNA Testing Process

Acceptable DNA Samples