Your guide to collecting and returning your genetic testing sample
Whether you have a cheek swab (buccal) kit, a saliva kit, or a blood kit, we’re here to help you correctly collect and return your sample.
What type of kit do you have?
Choose your kit type to view the right instructions.
Buccal Kit
Blood Kit
Saliva Kit
Prepare, Collect, and Return Buccal
A few simple steps can help prevent delays or the need to collect another sample.
Buccal (Cheek) Swab Collection
A buccal sample is collected by rubbing a soft swab along your cheek or lower gum line. It only takes a few minutes. Before you start, review the instructions and watch the collection video to make sure your sample is collected correctly.
This video shows how to prepare, collect a buccal swab, label the sample and return the kit. Your kit includes step-by-step written instructions. You can also download the instructions here anytime.
Tip: Keep your kit nearby while watching the video so you can follow along step by step.
1
Wait 30 minutes
Do not eat, drink, smoke, vape, or chew gum for at least 30 minutes before collecting your sample.
2
Label and collect your sample
- Collect the sample.
- Clearly label each sample tube with thea patient’s name, date of birth, and collection date.
- Place one label on each tube.
3
Package your sample
- Place the sample tubes and absorbent pad inside the biohazard bag and seal it completely. If collecting for more than one person, keep each person’s sample in a separate biohazard bag.
- Then place the sealed biohazard bag inside the collection kit box.
4
Return your sample within 24 hours of collection
Put the box into the prepaid FedEx mailer and drop it off within 24 hours of collection, Monday through Friday.
5
Returning more than one kit?
Multiple kit boxes may be placed in the same FedEx mailer. You may throw away unused return mailers.
6
Need a FedEx Location?
- Use the FedEx locator to find a nearby drop-off location: Find FedEx locations.
- Or call 800-GoFedEx to schedule a pickup. No account is required; use the tracking number from the FedEx label to schedule.
Need help?
If anything feels unclear, contact us before you collect or ship your sample. We’re here to help with your kit, sample collection, or shipping questions. Call 1-800-411-4363 or email [email protected].
Before you call, it may help to have:
- Your collection kit nearby
- The patient’s name and date of birth
- Your provider’s name or clinic name
- A short description of your question or issue
Prepare, Collect, and Return Blood
Blood Collection
A blood sample is drawn by a trained professional (a phlebotomist), just like a blood draw at a doctor’s office. We’ve teamed up with phlebotomy networks My One Medical Source (MOMS) and Travalab to have your blood sample collected:
My One Medical Source (MOMS)
In-Person Blood Draw
In-person blood draws at over 250,000 locations across the United States. You can check coverage for your specific area when scheduling an appointment.
My One Medical Source (MOMS) has pediatric trained phlebotomists. Please verify the availability of these services when scheduling.
Sample Collection
A certified phlebotomist will collect your blood sample similar to how your blood would be drawn at a doctor’s office. Bring your Baylor Genetics sample collection kit to your appointment.
Cost & Billing
Patient Service Center appointments through My One Medical Source (MOMS) are offered at no charge when a blood draw is not available through your healthcare provider.
Mobile Blood Draw
Travalab offers mobile phlebotomy services that will come directly to you. Check coverage.
Pediatric services available: Travalab has pediatric-trained phlebotomists. Please verify the availability of these services when scheduling.
Sample Collection
You’ll need your Baylor Genetics sample collection kit for your appointment.
Cost & Billing
Travalab will bill you directly and work with you on payment options.
Recent blood transfusion or history of a bone marrow transplant?
Please contact Client Services before scheduling your blood draw. A waiting period may be required to ensure accurate results, as donor DNA can temporarily mix with your own.
Prepare, Collect, and Return Saliva
A few simple steps can help prevent delays or the need to collect another sample.
Saliva Collection
Most saliva samples take just 2–5 minutes to collect. Follow these steps and you’ll be done in no time. Before you start, review the instructions and watch the collection video to make sure your sample is collected correctly.
This video shows how to prepare, collect a saliva sample, label the sample and return the kit. Your kit includes step-by-step written instructions. You can also download the instructions here anytime.
Tip: Keep your kit nearby while watching the video so you can follow along step by step.
1
Wait 30 minutes
Do not eat, drink, smoke, vape, or chew gum for at least 30 minutes before collecting your sample.
2
Label and collect your sample
- Collect the sample.
- Clearly label each sample tube with the patient’s name, date of birth, and collection date.
- Place one label on each tube.
3
Package your sample
- Place the sample tube and absorbent pad inside the biohazard bag and seal it completely. If collecting for more than one person, place each person’s sample in a separate biohazard bag.
- Then place the sealed biohazard bag inside the collection kit box.
4
Return your sample within 24 hours of collection
Put the box into the prepaid FedEx mailer and drop it off within 24 hours of collection, Monday through Friday.
5
Returning more than one kit?
Multiple kit boxes may be placed in the same FedEx mailer. You may throw away unused return mailers.
6
Need a FedEx Location?
- Use the FedEx locator to find a nearby drop-off location: Find FedEx locations.
- Or call 800-GoFedEx to schedule a pickup. No account is required; use the tracking number from the FedEx label to schedule.
Need help?
If anything feels unclear, contact us before you collect or ship your sample. We’re here to help with your kit, sample collection, or shipping questions. Call 1-800-411-4363 or email [email protected].
Before you call, it may help to have:
- Your collection kit nearby
- The patient’s name and date of birth
- Your provider’s name or clinic name
- A short description of your question or issue
Sample Collection FAQs
Common questions you may have before and after collecting a sample.
On the top or sides of your kit box you should see which sample type you should collect.
Please contact Baylor Genetics Client Services at 1-800-411-4363 before collecting your sample. We’ll make sure you have everything you need.
We will keep you updated on the status of your kit. You may receive text notifications when:
- Your test order is placed
- Your collection kit ships (this will include a tracking number)
- Your collection kit is delivered to your address
- Your sample has been received by the laboratory
If your kit has been delivered but your sample has not yet been returned, you may also receive additional reminder messages.
If you believe your kit should have arrived, but you have not received it, or if you need help with the collection process, please contact Baylor Genetics Client Services for assistance at 1-800-411-4363. You may also choose to opt out of receiving these notifications at any time.
The most common reasons are missing or incorrect labeling, leakage or improper packaging, not following prep instructions (for example, eating before a saliva collection), and insufficient sample volume. Following the steps above helps avoid a repeat collection.
Samples shipped with the prepaid FedEx mailer typically arrive at Baylor Genetics within a few business days. Shipping within 24 hours of collection, Monday through Friday, helps keep your sample in the best condition.
If anything feels unclear, contact us before you collect or ship your sample. We’re here to help with your kit, sample collection, or shipping questions.
Email: [email protected]
Phone: 1-800-411-4363
Before you call, it may help to have:
- Your collection kit nearby
- The patient’s name and date of birth
- Your provider’s name or clinic name
- A short description of your question or issue
About This Website
This website provides general information and support. It does not replace advice from your healthcare provider.
You cannot provide consent, check the status of your test, or view your test results here.
Contact your healthcare provider with questions about why testing was recommended, your care, or what your test results may mean.