How long do I have to send my sample back to the lab? At what temperature should I store it?

Saliva samples from DNA kits, once mixed with the preservative solution, are stable at room temperature (15°C to 30°C) and last up to 12 months. Unused kits remain stable at room temperature for up to 5 years. 

The saliva preservation tube, either with swabs or without swabs, includes a preservative solution that is added to the saliva immediately after sample collection. The preservative solution ensures the integrity of the genetic material, prevents bacterial contamination, and guarantees the long-term stability of the saliva sample at room temperature. Never leave the sample outside the liquid, exposed to air, and ensure, by shaking the tube, that the ends of the swab are fully submerged and soaked.

With the swab and drying pouch kit, the swab end is dried by a microporous membrane inside the pouch to preserve the sample. The pouch acts as a physical barrier against contamination, and its hydrophobic structure repels moisture. Ensure that the swab is properly inserted into the pouch and avoid touching its tip or placing it on other surfaces. Laboratory tests have confirmed that the sample retains its integrity for at least 3 months under normal temperature and humidity conditions.

As you can see, nothing special needs to be done to preserve the tellmeGen DNA kits perfectly. However, prolonged exposure to extreme temperatures or storage outside the optimal temperature range can negatively impact the sample’s performance in the laboratory.