How to Collect Your Sample - a Step-by-Step Guide

Please note:

There are four steps to completing your 3X4 DNA sample:

STEP 1 | Create your profile / login
STEP 2  | Register your unique Kit Code to your profile
STEP 3  | Collect your sample using a 3X4 DNA Sample Kit
STEP 4  | Ship your sample to the lab

This help page covers steps 3 & 4. For help with steps 1 & 2, please visit: How to Register Your 3X4 Kit - a Step-by-Step Guide.

Do Not Return Your Sample Without Registering Your Kit

3X4 DNA Sample Instructions: At-Home Collection

Your kit includes all the items needed for you to complete a simple and painless inside cheek swab. The collection vial stabilizes your cell sample in a nontoxic buffer, while it ships to our laboratory.

After your DNA is extracted from your sample, it undergoes genotyping to produce your personalized 3X4 genetic results.

Please note: after you register your kit via the QR code / link provided, you will be given step-by-step instructions on how to collect your sample.

1. Checking Kit Contents

3X4 DNA Kit Contents include one swab, one vial, one sealable bag, packed inside a cardboard tube. Some kits contain a return shipping bag and label.

Please contact info@3X4genetics.com if:

Any item is missing or visibly damaged
The swab packet is not sealed
The vial does not contain liquid
Your kit appears to be tampered with

In addition to the above, you will receive an instructional paper/card insert containing a QR code / website link, where you will register your kit. As soon as you've registered your kit, you will be given step-by-step instructions on how to collect your DNA sample.

2. Preparation

Preparation For Use

To avoid your sample failing lab processing, your sample needs to free from contamination.

As you'll be swabbing the inside of your cheek, your mouth needs to be free of any foreign particles:

➜ Wait at least 60 minutes after eating or drinking, smoking, applying lipstick / lip balm, chewing gum, etc., before you swab.
➜ Try to swab first thing in the morning, so that several hours have gone by since you last ate/drank anything, etc.

Find a clean and level surface to work with, such as a coffee table / desk / countertop.

Throughout the process, do not touch the Swab tips or allow contact with any other object.

3. Swabbing and Collecting Your Sample

Caution: Read all steps before collecting your sample

1. Place Vial standing up on a flat surface. Peel open bag containing Swab and remove the swab. Unscrew vial cap before collecting sample. 2. Rub swab tip firmly against the inside of your cheek 15-20 times, using light pressure similar to brushing your teeth a. Rotate swab tip as you are rubbing b. Cover entire cheek from the top to bottom and side to side 3. Pick up vial and hold steady in one hand. Slowly twist swab into vial with a corkscrew motion. There will be resistance, but push swab to the bottom of the device. 4. Hold vial steady and move swab up and down rapidly inside the vial 10-15 times without moving the swab out of the liquid. 5. At this point remove and discard the swab: Hold vial firmly and remove swab by slowly twisting out with a corkscrew motion. Dispose of the used swab according to local regulations. 6. Replace cap tightly and place vial in the Sealable bag and seal completely. Do not remove the absorbent pad from the bag.

4. Packing & Shipping Your Sample

Insert your sealed sample inside the cardboard kit tube.
Place cardboard tube in the unused shipping bag and seal.
Keep a record of the return tracking number on the unused shipping bag, to track your shipment to the lab.
Check if your shipping label is for USPS or FedEx, and drop off your package depending on which label you received. Find your nearest location at: 3X4genetics.com/return

What's Next?

You have 7 days to drop off your completed sample.

It usually takes one week for your shipment to arrive at the lab, and 3-4 weeks for lab processing.

Either you, or your provider, will be notified as soon as your results are ready!

Please don’t hesitate to reach out to us at info@3X4genetics.com or support@genefit.pro for any assistance.