When a standard cheek swab is not available, certain personal items may contain enough biological material for DNA testing. Used toothbrushes, hair with roots, nail clippings, earwax swabs, used razors, blood stains, and other personal items may be considered depending on their condition and how they were handled.
The best alternative DNA sample depends on the sample type, its condition, how it was stored, and whether it contains enough usable DNA. No alternative sample can be guaranteed before laboratory review.
Key takeaways:
- Used toothbrushes, fresh nail clippings, and hair with roots are commonly considered stronger alternative sample options.
- Earwax swabs, used razors, blood stains, used tissues, cigarette filters, and other personal items may also be considered.
- Older, wet, washed, heavily handled, or mixed-use items can be more difficult to test.
- Alternative samples must be reviewed to determine whether enough usable DNA can be recovered.
- If a standard cheek swab can be collected, alternative sample testing may not be necessary.
If your main question is how private or secret DNA testing works, read How to Get a Secret DNA Test Without Someone Knowing.
If you already know that a cheek swab is unavailable, continue below to compare alternative DNA sample options.
What Are Alternative DNA Samples?
Alternative DNA samples are biological samples collected from something other than a traditional cheek swab. They may also be called discreet DNA samples or non-standard DNA samples.
Possible alternative DNA samples may include:
- Used toothbrushes
- Hair with the root or follicle attached
- Fresh nail clippings
- Earwax collected on a swab
- Used razors
- Blood stains on fabric or a bandage
- Used tissues
- Cigarette filters
- Other personal items that may contain saliva, skin cells, or biological residue
The presence of a possible DNA source does not guarantee that a usable profile can be recovered.
The age, condition, handling, storage, and overall quality of the sample can all affect whether enough usable DNA is available for testing.
For more information about DNA viability on personal belongings, read How Long Does DNA Last on Personal Items?.
When Might an Alternative DNA Sample Be Needed?
Alternative DNA samples may be useful when a standard cheek swab cannot be collected or is not practical.
This can include situations where:
- One participant is unavailable for standard cheek-swab collection.
- A personal item is available but a cheek swab is not.
- Posthumous testing is being considered.
- One participant can provide a standard cheek swab while another participant requires an alternative sample.
- You need help determining whether an existing personal item may be suitable for testing.
Alternative samples are not a separate relationship test. They are another way of obtaining DNA when standard collection is not available.
The relationship being tested still determines which DNA test is appropriate.
If the alleged father cannot be tested and you are considering testing other relatives instead, read Paternity Testing When the Father Isn’t Available: Your Four Options.
If your primary concern is privacy rather than sample selection, see How to Get a Secret DNA Test Without Someone Knowing.
Which Alternative DNA Samples Work Best?
Some alternative DNA samples may offer a better chance of producing usable DNA than others.
The type of item matters, but so do its condition, age, handling, storage, and whether it was used by one person or several people.
Used Toothbrushes
A used toothbrush may contain saliva and cheek cells from repeated use.
A toothbrush used by one person only is preferable because shared use may introduce biological material from more than one person.
If a toothbrush is the sample you already have, read our Toothbrush DNA Testing Guide.
Hair With Roots Attached
Hair may be considered for DNA testing when the root or follicle remains attached.
Hair collected from a haircut usually does not include the root, which can make DNA recovery much less likely for this type of testing.
Read our Hair DNA Testing Guide for more information about rooted hair, cut hair, and hair sample testing.
Fresh Nail Clippings
Fresh fingernail or toenail clippings may contain biological material that can be considered for DNA extraction.
Their condition and handling can affect viability, just as with other alternative samples.
Earwax Swabs
Earwax collected on a swab may also be considered as an alternative DNA sample.
If this is the sample available to you, see our Earwax DNA Testing Guide.
Used Razors
Used razors may contain biological material left behind during personal use.
As with other alternative samples, viability depends on the condition of the item and whether enough usable DNA can be recovered.
Blood Stains
Blood stains on fabric, bandages, or other items may contain DNA that can be evaluated for testing.
The condition and age of the sample can affect whether DNA recovery is possible.
Used Tissues and Cigarette Filters
Used tissues, cigarette filters, and other personal items containing biological residue may also be considered in some situations.
These items still require laboratory review before anyone can know whether enough usable DNA is present.
Which Alternative DNA Samples Can Be More Difficult to Test?
Some items may be less suitable because they contain little biological material or because their condition makes DNA recovery more difficult.
Examples can include:
- Older personal items
- Wet items
- Washed items
- Heavily handled items
- Items used by more than one person
- Hair without the root attached
- Items with very little biological material
A sample that looks suitable cannot be guaranteed to work before laboratory processing.
If you have more than one possible item from the same individual, contact My Forever DNA® before sending a sample. Our team can help you understand which option may be worth considering first.
What Makes an Alternative DNA Sample More Suitable?
Several factors can affect whether an alternative sample provides enough usable DNA.
Was the Item Used by One Person?
An item associated with one person is generally easier to evaluate than something used by multiple people.
If several individuals have used the same item, biological material from more than one person may be present.
Does the Item Contain Biological Material?
Alternative DNA testing depends on recovering biological material from the submitted item.
Different objects can contain very different amounts of material, even when they were used by the same person.
What Condition Is the Sample In?
Age, storage, moisture, washing, and handling can affect sample quality.
Two samples of the same type may therefore produce different outcomes.
Do You Have More Than One Sample Option?
If several personal items are available from the same individual, it may be useful to compare them before deciding which one to submit.
My Forever DNA® can help you review the options you have before you order.
How Does Alternative Sample DNA Testing Work?
Alternative samples require an additional review before relationship testing can continue.
The Sample Is Reviewed
After the alternative DNA sample reaches the laboratory, it is reviewed to determine whether DNA extraction can be attempted.
The type and condition of the sample can affect this step.
The Laboratory Attempts DNA Extraction
The laboratory attempts to recover enough usable DNA to create a genetic profile.
Because alternative samples vary considerably, successful DNA recovery cannot be guaranteed in advance.
Another Sample May Be Needed
If enough usable DNA cannot be recovered, another sample may be required.
If you have access to another personal item from the same individual, My Forever DNA® can help explain the available next steps.
Relationship Testing Can Proceed
Once a usable DNA profile has been obtained, the laboratory can proceed with the relationship analysis required for the test you ordered.
The exact analysis depends on the relationship being evaluated.
Results Are Delivered
Results are delivered according to the process associated with your order.
Timing may vary depending on the sample type, viability, laboratory processing, and whether additional testing is required.
What Happens If an Alternative DNA Sample Does Not Work?
A failed alternative sample does not automatically mean that relationship testing is impossible.
It means that enough usable DNA could not be recovered from that particular item.
The next step may involve:
- Submitting another sample of the same type
- Trying a different alternative sample
- Using a standard cheek swab if one becomes available
- Discussing another testing option with My Forever DNA®
If you have several possible items available, it may be worth discussing them with our team before choosing which one to submit.
When Is a Cheek Swab the Better Option?
Alternative samples are intended for situations where standard cheek-swab collection is unavailable or not practical.
If the participant can provide a normal cheek swab, standard collection may be the more straightforward option because the sample is collected specifically for DNA testing.
Alternative sample testing becomes relevant when:
- A cheek swab cannot be collected
- A participant is unavailable
- An existing personal item is the practical DNA source
- Another approved collection method is needed
If both participants can provide cheek swabs normally, explore the standard At-Home Paternity DNA Testing Collection.
Can Alternative DNA Samples Be Used for Paternity Testing?
Yes. Alternative DNA samples may be considered for paternity testing when one participant cannot provide a standard cheek swab.
For example, one participant may provide an approved alternative sample while another participant provides a traditional cheek swab.
Possible sample options may include a used toothbrush, rooted hair, nail clippings, earwax, a used razor, or another approved personal item.
If you already know that paternity is the relationship you need to test, review the At-Home Paternity DNA Test with Toothbrush, Hair & More.
You can also browse the full Discreet Home DNA Testing Collection.
Can Alternative DNA Samples Be Used for Other Family Relationships?
Alternative sample collection is not limited to paternity testing.
Depending on the available participants, sample type, and relationship being evaluated, alternative DNA samples may also be considered for other supported relationship tests.
My Forever DNA® offers relationship testing options for:
- Paternity
- Maternity
- Sibling relationships
- Grandparent relationships
- Aunt or uncle relationships
- Other supported family relationship questions
The correct test depends on the family relationship you are trying to evaluate, not only the sample you have.
If you are unsure which relationship test fits your situation, contact My Forever DNA® before ordering.
Explore Alternative-Sample DNA Testing Options
Once you know which sample is available and which relationship you need to test, you can review the relevant testing options.
If you are not sure which test or sample matches your situation, ask My Forever DNA® before ordering.
Do You Need Legally Admissible DNA Results?
At-home alternative-sample testing is intended for personal knowledge.
If you need results for:
- Court proceedings
- Child support
- Custody
- Immigration
- Inheritance
- Birth certificate changes
- Another official purpose
you should arrange a legal chain-of-custody DNA test before collecting samples.
Legal testing requires a different collection and documentation process.
Customers should also follow the laws that apply to DNA testing, consent, and sample collection in their location.
Frequently Asked Questions About Alternative DNA Samples
Can DNA testing be done without a cheek swab?
Yes. Some relationship DNA tests may use approved alternative samples such as a used toothbrush, rooted hair, nail clippings, earwax, used razors, or other personal items. The sample must first contain enough usable DNA for testing to proceed.
What is the best alternative DNA sample?
There is no sample that can be guaranteed to work. Used toothbrushes, fresh nail clippings, and hair with roots are commonly considered stronger options, but viability still depends on the condition, age, handling, and storage of the individual sample.
Can cut hair be used for DNA testing?
Hair from a haircut usually does not include the root or follicle, which makes DNA recovery much less likely for this type of relationship testing. Hair with the root attached is generally the more suitable option.
Can a toothbrush be used for DNA testing?
Yes. A used toothbrush may contain saliva and cheek cells. A toothbrush used by one person only is preferable because shared use may introduce biological material from multiple people.
Can earwax be used for DNA testing?
Earwax collected on a swab may be considered as an alternative DNA sample. Like other non-standard samples, it must contain enough usable DNA for testing to proceed.
Can a used razor be used for DNA testing?
A used razor may contain biological material that can potentially be evaluated for DNA extraction. Viability depends on the condition of the item and whether enough usable DNA is present.
Can an item used by several people be tested?
Items used by more than one person can be more difficult because biological material from multiple individuals may be present. If another sample is available, it may be a better option.
How do I know whether my sample contains enough DNA?
You generally cannot determine this simply by looking at the item. The laboratory must review the sample and attempt DNA extraction before confirming whether a usable genetic profile can be obtained.
How old can an alternative DNA sample be?
There is no single age that guarantees success or failure. The condition, storage, handling, and type of sample can all affect whether enough usable DNA remains.
What happens if my alternative DNA sample does not work?
Another sample may be required. If you have more than one possible item from the same person, My Forever DNA® can help you understand which alternative may be worth considering next.
Can an alternative sample be combined with a cheek swab?
In supported testing situations, one participant may provide an approved alternative sample while another provides a standard cheek swab.
Are alternative DNA test results court-admissible?
At-home alternative-sample tests are intended for personal knowledge. If you need results for an official legal purpose, arrange a legal chain-of-custody DNA test before samples are collected.
Not Sure Which DNA Sample to Send?
When a cheek swab is unavailable, the personal items you already have may provide another testing option. The strongest choice depends on the sample type, its condition, how it was handled, and which family relationship you need to evaluate.
My Forever DNA® can help you compare the available samples before you choose a test.
Responsible Testing Disclaimer
Informational at-home DNA tests are intended for personal knowledge and peace of mind. They are not intended for court, custody, immigration, child support, or other legal purposes unless a legal chain-of-custody DNA test is specifically purchased and completed through the required legal process.
Sample viability can vary depending on the type, age, condition, storage, and handling of the sample. Customers should only submit samples they are legally authorized to provide.
My Forever DNA® does not provide legal or medical advice.
