Problem With Ancestry.com Genetic Test (testing, DNA, teeth, blue)

[Lodestar]

Has anyone else used their services? Genetic testing was going to be our Christmas gift to each other but we've been trying to produce a correct sample since late last summer.

Two of mine have both come back as unusable and one of my husband's has. So here we sit with our next tries on the kitchen table wondering what we are doing wrong and how to get this one right. After carefully reading the directions we followed them exactly. We didn't eat or drink for an hour before testing and were both careful to spit saliva only to the measuring line. The vials seemed to seal correctly.

The only thing we can think of is that it was difficult for us to produce sufficient saliva and we thought perhaps it may have had too many air bubbles in it.

Has anyone else had this problem or do you have any suggestions?

[PA2UK]

I've seen it recommended to chew on the inside of your cheek a little, it helps scrub off cheek cells with DNA in them.

[suzy_q2010]

Originally Posted by Lodestar

Has anyone else used their services? Genetic testing was going to be our Christmas gift to each other but we've been trying to produce a correct sample since late last summer.

Two of mine have both come back as unusable and one of my husband's has. So here we sit with our next tries on the kitchen table wondering what we are doing wrong and how to get this one right. After carefully reading the directions we followed them exactly. We didn't eat or drink for an hour before testing and were both careful to spit saliva only to the measuring line. The vials seemed to seal correctly.

The only thing we can think of is that it was difficult for us to produce sufficient saliva and we thought perhaps it may have had too many air bubbles in it.

Has anyone else had this problem or do you have any suggestions?

Maybe whip up something mouthwatering good to smell in the kitchen?

10 hints to optimize DNA saliva samples, based on millions of samples

Bubbles don't count:

"When spitting, bubbles don’t count. Make sure that the liquid saliva is at the ‘Fill To’ line; any bubbles present should be above the line. This will ensure that the optimal amount of saliva is collected."

"For donors having trouble spitting 2 ml, saliva flow can often be stimulated by rubbing the cheeks, just behind your back teeth. You can also stimulate saliva production by using a pinch of sugar on the tongue. You only need a tiny amount; just enough that the person can taste it. A drop of lemon juice also works."

[Clemencia53]

Originally Posted by Lodestar

Has anyone else used their services? Genetic testing was going to be our Christmas gift to each other but we've been trying to produce a correct sample since late last summer.

Two of mine have both come back as unusable and one of my husband's has. So here we sit with our next tries on the kitchen table wondering what we are doing wrong and how to get this one right. After carefully reading the directions we followed them exactly. We didn't eat or drink for an hour before testing and were both careful to spit saliva only to the measuring line. The vials seemed to seal correctly.

The only thing we can think of is that it was difficult for us to produce sufficient saliva and we thought perhaps it may have had too many air bubbles in it.

Has anyone else had this problem or do you have any suggestions?

I did my test without any problems.

I ordered a test for my 90 yr old mom and thought she might have issues with producing enough spit. Wasn't too bad, but did have lots of bubbles. I just sat there with her until we had passed the line just to be sure.

Her sample was able to be used.

I did have a problem with the first test I ordered. The vial with the blue liquid was cracked. They sent me a new one right away.