Toothbrush DNA Test

How does toothbrush DNA testing work?

In just a few simple steps, you can get a DNA relationship test without the need for all participants to submit cheek swab samples.

Once you have placed your order, your test kit will be sent out immediately in discreet, plain packaging.

Your test kit will contain everything you need to return your toothbrush(es) to our laboratory, and to perform the subsequent DNA relationship test using cheek swabs, assuming a profile can be extracted from the toothbrush(es).

Here’s how an AlphaBiolabs Toothbrush DNA Test works:

• Order your Toothbrush DNA Test for $195. This cost covers a viability study for one toothbrush. Our scientists will work to extract a DNA profile from the toothbrush provided. If you want to send more than one toothbrush (e.g. for multiple children) please select this option while placing your order (additional fee applies)
• You will also need to choose the DNA relationship test that you want (e.g. paternity, maternity, sibling). Please note that this DNA relationship test can ONLY be performed if a DNA profile can be extracted from the toothbrush
• Follow the instructions provided in your test kit to collect cheek swab samples and return them to our laboratory, together with the used toothbrush
• Once received, our scientists will work to extract a DNA profile from the toothbrush provided
• If a DNA profile can be retrieved from the toothbrush, we can then proceed with your chosen DNA relationship test
• We will analyze and compare the cheek swab DNA samples with the DNA profile from the toothbrush, to determine whether the tested individuals are related

When is a toothbrush DNA test useful?

You may want a toothbrush DNA test if:

• You want to perform a DNA relationship test (e.g. paternity test) on a slightly older child, where the use of a cheek swab could lead to awkward questions.

  A toothbrush DNA test is ideal if you want to collect a DNA sample in a subtle manner, from a child under the age of 16.

  Any person aged 16 or over must provide their own consent (a signature) for their DNA sample to be used in testing.

  However, for children under the age of 16, a parent or guardian with parental responsibility can provide consent on behalf of the child undertaking the DNA test.

• You want to perform a DNA relationship test on someone who has passed away.

  It is not possible to collect a cheek swab sample from a deceased person. However, DNA can be collected from the deceased’s toothbrush if the next of kin provide consent.

  If a DNA profile for the deceased person can be extracted from the toothbrush, this profile can then be used to verify a biological relationship to a living relative, using a DNA relationship test (and cheek swabs from the living relative).

Please note: our Toothbrush DNA Test is for peace of mind only and cannot be used in court.

It’s easy to order your Toothbrush DNA Test online now.

For confidential advice on whether this test is right for you, you can also email our Customer Services team at info@alphabiolabsusa.com.

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

Toothbrushes

You can send your used, dry toothbrush(es) to our laboratory using the sample envelope provided in your test kit.

It’s important that the toothbrush is not cleaned before being sent. The method of brushing and type of toothpaste used will not impact the results.

We can also accept electric toothbrushes, however, please just send the toothbrush head. Do not send the whole toothbrush.

Cheek swabs

Your test kit will contain everything you need to collect cheek swab samples for your subsequent DNA relationship test.

Please note, the DNA relationship test can only be performed if a viable DNA profile can be retrieved from the toothbrush.

When will I receive my kit?

Simply buy your test online now, and we’ll ship it out to you immediately.

Your test kit will be sent directly to your chosen address in discreet, plain packaging, for full confidentiality. 

You can choose to receive your kit by USPS First Class Mail (included in the cost of your test), or upgrade to USPS Priority Mail (+$9.99) or USPS Priority Mail Express (+$29.99).

When will I receive my results?

Once you have collected your samples, simply post them back to our laboratory using your preferred shipping method.

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.

If a DNA profile can be extracted from the toothbrush, the results of the DNA relationship test will be available in a further 3-5 working days.

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?

Consent must be provided for all toothbrush samples that are sent in to be analyzed, and for cheek swab samples that are sent in for the subsequent DNA relationship test.

If the toothbrush belongs to a person who has passed away, next of kin or another qualifying relative must provide consent for their DNA to be used in testing.

For children under the age of 16, consent must be provided by a parent or guardian with parental responsibility.

Any person aged 16 or over must provide their own consent (a signature) for their DNA to be used in testing.

What is peace of mind testing?

At AlphaBiolabs, we offer peace of mind testing with all our DNA testing kits.

As the name suggests, a peace of mind DNA test is for personal use only.  

The results of these tests can give you the answers you need, but they cannot be used for legal purposes or in court proceedings.

Peace of mind tests also allow you to collect your samples quickly and easily at home, without the need to use a more costly and time-consuming third-party to verify the DNA sample collection.

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.