FTA Kit Instructions The cheek swab kits are also called FTA Kits. FTA Kits are a secure, reliable and simple way to transport and store DNA. To have a successful DNA sample sent to us, please read the following: Please ensure that you DO NOT drink, smoke, eat or brush your teeth in the hour BEFORE taking the sample. This may affect the outcome of the DNA sample.
Click Here For Step-by-Step Cheek Swab Instructions Click Here For A FTA Kit Video Demonstration HOW TO COLLECT THE CHEEK CELL SAMPLES:
STEP 1. Write the date on the label of the small plastic bag.
STEP 2. Gently rinse your mouth twice with ordinary tap water for 5 -10 seconds. 
STEP 3. When you are ready to take the sample, remove the FTA card from its small plastic bag. Keep the small plastic bag near you.
STEP 4. Open the FTA card up to expose the pink circled area. Make sure that you DO NOT TOUCH THE PINK AREA. 
STEP 5. Remove the sponge swab from its paper packet.
Make sure that you DO NOT TOUCH THE SPONGE PART OF THE SWAB 
STEP 6. Using one side of the swab, collect the cheek cells by rubbing the swab firmly (in a circular motion) over the entire inside surface of the left cheek about 20 times. Apply enough pressure so that the outline of the swab can be seen on the outside of the cheek. 
STEP 7. Now using the other side of the swab, do the same thing inside the right cheek. Soak up as much saliva as you can. 
STEP 8. Run the foam tip along the gum-line and under the tongue before you remove the swab from your mouth. 
STEP 9. Firmly press one side of the swab onto the pink circled area on the FTA card. Without lifting the swab off the card, squash the tip back and forth so that lots of saliva is transferred onto the card. Make sure you DO NOT RUB OR GRIND the swab into the FTA card. 
STEP 10. Turn the swab over to the other side and repeat, pressing again in the same circle. 
STEP 11. When the circle turns from pink to white, the process is complete.  
STEP 12. Throw away the used sponge swab. 
STEP 13. Place the card in the drying position and allow it to dry for at least 1 hour at room temperature. >DO NOT TOUCH THE WHITE CIRCLE 
STEP 14. When the card has dried for at least 1 hour, close the card and place it back in its small plastic bag. Please make sure you have written the date on the label of the small plastic bag. 
Once you have completed this, please send the FTA card back to us in its small plastic bag WITH your completed questionnaire (all parts), as soon as you can by using the reply-paid envelope. If you have any questions about taking the cheek cell sample, please call our Project Coordinator (Jenny Landrigan) on 1800 131 160 (free-call number) between 9am and 5pm, Monday to Friday. | 
