DNA tests from 23andMe and AncestryDNA require saliva. What if you (or your relative) can’t spit to provide the sample?
“My uncle has severe Alzheimer’s. I have tried to get enough spit from him for AncestryDNA to test but have been unsuccessful. What should I do?”
This question from a client (I’ll call him Jorge) is pretty common, so I thought I’d share what I told him—and how things turned out for him. First, a little background.
DNA Tests: Saliva, Spit, Why?
Some consumer DNA tests, such as 23andMe and AncestryDNA, collect your DNA sample via your saliva. Basically, you have to spit into a little vial until it’s full.
Why do DNA testing companies use saliva samples instead of swabs? 23andMe gives this explanation:
“The best way for us to obtain sufficient quantities of DNA for our analysis is through a saliva sample. Saliva samples offer a convenient and non-invasive method for DNA sample collection as compared to hair and blood samples. Cheek swab samples of DNA (as you may have seen on television programs or in movies) do not consistently give sufficient DNA yields for the testing that we conduct.” (23andMe)
The total amount of saliva they’re collecting is tiny—23andMe says it’s only about 2ml or 1/2 teaspon. But if you or your relative don’t produce much spit, even this small amount can feel like a lot.
Tips for Generating More Saliva
AncestryDNA gives these tips for getting enough saliva for your sample:
- “To encourage saliva production, gently rub your cheeks from the outside (pressing them against your teeth and gums) before spitting into the tube.
- If you find it hard to produce saliva, place 1/4 teaspoon of white table sugar on your tongue.
- If you can’t produce enough saliva in one try, refrigerate your tube in an upright position between attempts. You can refrigerate your sample for up to a week before needing to add it to the stabilizing fluid in the saliva tube.” (AncestryDNA tutorial)
I told Jorge (and I’m repeating it here) and that he could also try using a swab to collect DNA even for his spit-sample AncestryDNA test. A determined researcher figured out how to create artificial saliva into which she put her relative’s swabbed DNA sample.
Here’s what Jorge said: “I want to THANK YOU for giving me the formula for saliva. I used it for my uncle not knowing if it would work….He could not spit, but his mouth has lots of saliva when I started doing the cheek rub. I got it. Three weeks later I got the results.”
Yay!
DNA tests that use swabs
Another option, depending on your research goals, is to choose a testing company that doesn’t require saliva. The other DNA collection method is by swab. Both Family Tree DNA and MyHeritage DNA use swabs, or little brushes that scrape the inside of the cheek (it doesn’t hurt).
Need a little more help with DNA testing?
My Autosomal DNA quick reference guide takes you through the process of testing at 23andMe, AncestryDNA, or other autosomal DNA testing companies. Learn when to test; what the test could tell you; a detailed comparison of the different testing companies; how to understand and use your ethnicity results; and more. It’s an inexpensive investment in testing.
The link to making artificial saliva just redirects to a medicare page.
Thanks, JE! We’ve redirected those links, and they work now.
This is very helpful! A relative wants to do the test but cannot produce saliva due to radiation damage to their salivary glands from cancer treatment. I have tried contacting Ancestry about the situation but have not had a response in over a month – I was starting to think it might not be possible for my relative to do the test.
There are so many reasons a person may not be able to produce saliva and I think it’s important these DNA testing services have information readily available on their websites addressing how/if these people can participate.
I agree I have Sjogrens syndrome and used My Heritage a while back ..still waiting for Ancestry to wake up and see the other side of this issue..
I can only spit bubbles. I tried sugar, cheek rubbing. I have a vial full of bubbles. A waste of money for me I’m afraid
You could try this method and use a cheek swab instead!
I sent in 2 separate saliva samples and didn’t get any results. Now I read the running the cheek thing, not sure it would have matter. Sucks cuz they won’t issue a refund.
Can a test be done with a tooth brush?
It’s best to use the cheek swab included in the kit to prevent any accidental cross contamination.
Yes I understand but the person is not available to do so but I can get a toothbrush that was used
I am unable to obtain a saliva test from a family member, would a toothbrush be just as accurate?
You’ll want to contact the testing company directly to see what their rules are, but usually Ancestry and 23andMe will only accept the saliva vial as the DNA sample.
Қeep this going please, great jоb!
my father has saliva but unable to use his mouth to spit it out can we use a little spoon or tongue depressor to swoop it out or would that cross contaminate the sample.
I would recommend contacting the DNA testing company directly, they will be able to give you the best answer!
My father is deceased. We would like to know if the envelpoes & stamps could be used to obtain his DNA. It’s all we have. Please let me know ASAP because we are elderly children….
Unfortuantly there’s not a practical way to get DNA test results from stamps right now. In cases like yours we recommend having other family members test, such as a sibling, cousin, or child of your father.
are Swab DNA results as ACCURATE as Saliva DNA results, all other things being equal ?
yep!
Would this work if one could collect mouth and/ or nasal swabs from a deceased person who’s being kept in a morgue for a couple of weeks?
You would have to reach out to the testing company directly and see what their policy is.