Infidelity Testing FAQs
Almost any item can be used for testing as long as it has been handled and stored properly. Always handle the item while wearing gloves if possible. Items need to be kept dry, cool, and out of direct sunlight. Store items you are considering for testing in a paper envelope or paper or cloth bag. Protect the item from contaminates like dirt, cleaning products and chemicals. Storing items in plastic traps heat and moisture which can degrade the DNA making it unusable for detection or comparison. infidelity testing
What kind of things can be tested?
- Clothing
- Towels – Washcloths
- Sheets
- Tampons – Maxi Pads
- Sex toys
- Tissues with semen or suspected fluids
- Razors, electric or disposable
- Blood
- Used Q-tips
- Condoms
Hair: Hair can be submitted as long as the follicle, or root is still attached. Generally, hair from a brush or comb will not have the root still attached. Hair has a 60% or less success rate for providing usable DNA.
Envelopes or stamps Generally speaking these are NOT good sources of samples for testing. The adhesives tend to make DNA collection difficult. Also you cannot always be sure the person used saliva to moisten the envelope or stamp vs water. These items have a 60% or less success rate for providing usable DNA.
Chewing gum is an acceptable source of DNA if it hasn’t been contaminated. Do not touch the gum with your fingers. Sugar free gum is better than regular gum. Gum has a 60% or less success rate for providing usable DNA.
Toothpicks or dental floss Again, as long as they haven’t been exposed to contaminating agents and you have enough to submit, a DNA profile can be obtained. Usable DNA is obtained from these items 60-90% of the time.
Used tissues A tissue, napkin, or paper towel that someone has used to clean up with after sex or blown their nose on can be a source of comparison DNA. Usable DNA is obtained from tissues, napkins, and towels 90% of the time.
Used Q-tip Swabs that have been used to clean ears, or that have blood or other biological fluids can be used to find DNA. Ear swabs have a 60-90% success rate for obtaining DNA.
Cigarette butts Cigarette butts may be submitted if they haven’t been exposed to contaminates like cleaning fluids or chemicals. A cigarette that has been lying outside on the ground will likely be contaminated, or the exposure to the elements will have degraded any DNA present. Between 60% & 90% of the time DNA is obtainable from the butts.
Toothbrushes A toothbrush can be good sources as long as they haven’t been exposed to potential contaminates like soap or other cleaning fluids. Getting DNA from a toothbrush has a 90% success rate.
While not difficult, there is some special care that needs to be taken when handling items you want to send us for DNA testing to help guard against contamination. Click here for instructions on submitting a sample.