The saliva sample for the tellmeGen genetic analysis is collected in a simple way following the instructions included in the kit. Here we explain how to do it correctly:
- Before taking the sample:
- Do not eat, drink, chew gum, or brush your teeth for 60 minutes prior to taking the sample.
- To stimulate saliva production, you can gently massage your cheeks.
- Ensure that the end of the swab does not touch any surface before collection.
- During sample collection:
- Step 1: Open the package at the end.
- Step 2: Remove the swab, taking care not to touch the white tip with your fingers.
- Step 3: Insert the swab into your mouth and rub firmly against the inside of the cheek or under the upper or lower lip for one minute.
- Step 4: Place the swab in the drying bag, inserting the white tip first without touching any surface.
- Step 5: Fold the bag along the fold line, with the transparent side facing inwards, and use the barcode label to seal it.
- Step 6: Place the drying bag in the provided shipping envelope or box, ensuring the envelope/box is correctly closed.
- Step 7: Register your kit on the website. You will receive a shipping label by email that will allow you to send us the sample at no additional cost. Print the label and place it on the shipping bag, ensuring the information is visible.
For the Ultra WGS (30x) test, the saliva sample is also collected in the same way as in other tellmeGen tests. The only difference is that this analysis includes more advanced genome sequencing, but the collection and shipping procedure for the sample is identical.
It is important that you follow these steps to ensure the validity of the sample and facilitate its processing in the laboratory. Furthermore, the saliva sample is resistant to normal temperature conditions (up to 40ºC) and humidity (up to 60%) for 3 months, although avoiding extreme conditions is recommended.