Saliva samples from genetic tests, as a general rule, are stable at room temperature (from 15°C to 30°C) and last up to 12 months. Unused kits remain stable at room temperature for a maximum period of up to 5 years.
The saliva preservation tube, whether with swabs or without swabs, includes a preservative solution that is added to the saliva immediately after collecting your sample. The preservative solution ensures the integrity of the genetic material and prevents bacterial contamination, ensuring the long-term stability of the saliva sample at room temperature. Do not leave the sample out of the liquid at any time, exposed to air, and when shaking the tube, ensure that the ends of the swab are well submerged and soaked.
With the swab and drying bag kit, the end of the swab is dried by a microporous membrane inside the bag to preserve the sample. The bag acts as a physical barrier against contamination and its structure is hydrophobic to repel moisture. Ensure that you insert the swab correctly and do not touch its end or rest it on other surfaces. Laboratory tests have verified that the sample maintains its integrity for a minimum of 3 months under normal temperature and humidity conditions.
As you can see, nothing special needs to be done to perfectly preserve tellmeGen genetic tests. However, prolonged exposure to extreme temperatures or conditions outside the optimal storage range may risk the sample's subsequent performance in the laboratory.