Eden Wellness

DNA Sample Collection and Posting Guide

Steps for collecting the samples and photographs Eden has requested

Home Client Forms

Use this guide to collect and package the samples and photographs listed below. Keep the samples clean, separate and dry. If you are collecting for someone else, wear nitrile gloves.

If you are unsure about a step or cannot collect a sample safely, stop and contact Eden before sending anything.

What You Will Need
✂️
Nail clippers
Clean and sanitised
🧷
Tweezers
To pull hair with the roots attached
🩹
Sterile, single-use safety lancet
Follow the device instructions. Do not use a pin or sewing needle.
🧻
At least two clean cotton buds
One for the cheek swab and one for the blood sample
📄
Small brown paper envelope
For all collected samples and the face photograph
🛍️
Clear Ziploc bag
Label it before collection
📦
Outer mailing or courier envelope
For the sealed Ziploc bag
🧤
Nitrile gloves
Required when collecting another person's samples
🖊️
Permanent marker or pen
Write the name and date on the Ziploc bag only
🍽️
Three clean ceramic saucers or plates
Use a clean surface for each sample; wash and dry a saucer before reusing it
🧴
Hand sanitiser or rubbing alcohol
For sanitising metal tools
🧼
Clean tray and work surface
Cover the surface with a clean paper towel
📷
Photographs
Recent face photo, right and left iris photos, and one tongue photo
Important - Before You Collect Do not eat, drink, smoke or chew gum for 30 minutes before collecting. If you wear nail polish, remove it at least three days beforehand. Wash your hands thoroughly, clean the work surface and tray, and sanitise the metal tools. Wear nitrile gloves throughout collection. They are essential if you are collecting another person's samples. Label the Ziploc bag in advance with the person's full name, surname and date. Do not write on the brown paper envelope.
Collect the Samples
1
Hair Strands
  1. Use clean tweezers to pull three strands of hair from the head. Each strand must have its root bulb attached. Pull close to the scalp.
  2. Place the strands on a clean saucer and let them dry.
  3. When dry, transfer the strands to the small brown paper envelope. Do not write on or seal the envelope.
2
Nail Clippings
  1. Wash and dry the hands and feet.
  2. Using clean, sanitised nail clippers, collect six fingernail clippings and six toenail clippings.
  3. Place the clippings on a clean saucer while collecting them. Then transfer them to the same small brown paper envelope as the hair.
3
Cheek Swab
  1. Rinse the mouth with plain water and wait 10 minutes. Do not eat, drink, smoke or chew gum during the 30 minutes before collection.
  2. Use one clean cotton bud. Hold it by the stick and do not touch the cotton tip.
  3. Rub and rotate the cotton tip firmly inside the left cheek for at least 60 seconds, then inside the right cheek for at least 60 seconds. Use the same bud for both cheeks.
  4. Place the bud on a clean saucer and let it air-dry for 15 minutes. Do not blow on it or put it in plastic while it is wet.
4
Blood Sample
  1. Wash and dry your hands. Use a sterile, single-use safety lancet on the side of a fingertip and follow the instructions supplied with the device. Do not use a pin, sewing needle or reused lancet.
  2. Let a drop of blood soak into a clean cotton bud. Do not touch the cotton tip with your fingers.
  3. Place the bud on a clean saucer and let it air-dry for at least 15 minutes. Do not blow on it or package it while it is wet.
  4. Dispose of the used lancet in an approved sharps container. Never share or reuse a lancet.
Safety: If you cannot use the lancet safely, stop and ask Eden or a health professional for advice.
Photographs to Include
5
Right and Left Iris Photos
  • Send one close-up, in-focus photo of the right iris and one of the left iris.
  • Use good lighting and make sure the full iris is visible.
  • Avoid blurry, dark or distant photos. Do not use filters or heavy editing.
6
Tongue and Face Photos
  1. Take one clear photo of the tongue, in natural light if possible. Stick the tongue out naturally and make sure it is fully visible.
  2. If possible, take the tongue photo before brushing your teeth, eating, drinking coffee or using mouthwash. Avoid blurry or shadowed photos.
  3. Include a recent, clear, passport-style photograph of the person's face.
Photo delivery: Email the iris and tongue photos to hello@edenworld.co.za as JPEG or PNG files at the highest available quality.
Package and Send the Samples
  1. 1
    Put the dry items in the brown envelope

    Once dry, place the hair, nail clippings, cheek swab, blood swab and passport-style face photo in the small brown paper envelope. Fold it closed, but do not seal it. Do not lick it.

  2. ↓
  3. 2
    Place the brown envelope in the Ziploc bag

    Write the person's full name, surname and collection date on the Ziploc bag only. Do not write on the brown envelope. Put the folded brown envelope inside the Ziploc bag and seal the bag.

  4. ↓
  5. 3
    Place the Ziploc bag in an outer mailing envelope

    Put the sealed Ziploc bag inside a courier or mailing envelope. Write your return address on the back. Address it to:

    Eden Wellness Centre
    Unit 13, Gey van Pittius Centre
    Audas Estate, Somerset West 7130
    South Africa

Sending Your Package Send the package by post or courier to the address above. If you need help, email hello@edenworld.co.za or call +27 (0) 83 579 1621 before sending.
Before You Send: Checklist

Check each item before you close the outer mailing envelope.

DNA Sample Submission Checklist - Eden Wellness
Samples and Photos
Packaging and Address