About our Toothbrush DNA Test
For $195 plus the cost of your chosen DNA test, our Toothbrush DNA Test offers a discreet, alternative method for DNA sample collection.
The usual method of sample collection for an AlphaBiolabs DNA test is to rub a mouth swab on the inside of the donor’s cheek to collect cheek (buccal) cells. The DNA is then extracted from the cells when the swabs are returned to our laboratory for testing.
A Toothbrush DNA Test is more suited towards children and younger donors because they don’t need to be made aware that a test is being undertaken. All you need to do is simply send in their regular used toothbrush.
Such a discreet DNA testing method may be particularly beneficial in the case of a paternity dispute, for example, where using a mouth swab on older children could lead to awkward questions.
As well as its use in childhood, another advantage of toothbrush DNA testing is to gain a DNA profile from an individual who has passed away.
This is because DNA cannot be collected from cheek cells using a mouth swab in deceased individuals. However, DNA can be collected from the deceased’s used toothbrush (as long as next of kin provide consent). A DNA profile from a toothbrush DNA test could be a lasting memento of a loved one.
Order your Toothbrush DNA Test online today for just £195 (plus the cost of your chosen DNA relationship test).
How is DNA extracted from a toothbrush?
Our in-house DNA experts have undertaken viability studies to prove that used toothbrushes can be a good source of DNA.
The method of brushing and type of toothpaste used has no effect on the results. Simply send us your used toothbrush and if we can get a DNA profile from it, we can perform a DNA relationship test of your choice (fee applies).
As soon as the toothbrush arrives at our laboratory, our DNA analysts work to extract a DNA profile. We use one of the newest DNA extraction techniques available to ensure a high level of precision. If our scientists can retrieve a profile, we can perform a DNA relationship test in the usual way (fees apply).
We analyze up to 42 DNA markers for our Toothbrush DNA Test, making it one of the most accurate DNA tests on the market.
If a DNA profile cannot be retrieved from the toothbrush, we will contact you and arrange to return the cost of the DNA relationship test. However, a refund will not be possible for the viability study on the toothbrush due to the laboratory work already undertaken.
The results of the viability study can be made available in up to 5 working days. The results of the DNA relationship test will then take a further 3–5 working days.
Submitting your sample
You can send your used, dry toothbrushes into our laboratory using the sample envelope contained in the testing kit.
It’s important that the toothbrushes are not cleaned before being sent. We can also accept electric toothbrushes: just send us the head, not the whole toothbrush. The type of toothpaste used, or the tooth brushing technique have no effect on the DNA extracted.
As soon as the toothbrushes arrive at our laboratory the first step is to extract the DNA from the sample. If a profile can be retrieved, a DNA relationship test can be performed in the same way as mouth swab DNA testing.
The DNA profile will be analyzed for up to 42 DNA markers, making it one of the most accurate DNA tests on the market.
DNA relationship tests are completed by comparing the observed DNA profiles from a group of people and considering the probability of any potential relationships. Paternity tests are completed by comparing the DNA markers of the child with the DNA of the potential father.
Fast shipping
Simply buy your test online now, and we'll ship it out to you immediately. You can choose to receive your kit by USPS Standard or Express Mail.
As soon as we receive your DNA samples, we begin the testing process at our accredited laboratory.
The result of the viability study (extracting DNA from the toothbrush) can be made available in up to 5 working days.
The results of the DNA relationship test will be available in a further 3-5 working days. Your secure, password-protected results will be emailed to you, for complete confidentiality.
How much does a Toothbrush DNA Test cost?
The cost of the viability study (to extract DNA from the toothbrush) is $195.
If a viable DNA profile can be retrieved, there will be an additional cost for your chosen DNA relationship test.
Is consent needed for toothbrush DNA testing?
Yes, consent is needed for toothbrush DNA testing.
For a child under the age of 16, a parent or guardian must provide consent.
If an individual has passed away, consent must be given by next of kin or a qualifying relative who can consent to the toothbrush being tested.
What is peace of mind testing?
At AlphaBiolabs, we offer peace of mind testing with all our DNA test kits.
This simply means that the sample collection can be done more quickly and easily for your convenience. In most cases your DNA sample can be collected privately at home without the need to have a more costly and time consuming third-party verify the DNA sample collection.
The testing procedure and your highly accurate results are exactly the same as a chain of control test, but are not admissible in court proceedings.
A guaranteed result or your money back
If a DNA profile cannot be retrieved from the toothbrush, we will contact you and arrange to return the cost of the DNA relationship test. However, a refund will not be possible for the viability study on the toothbrush due to the laboratory work already undertaken.