Phlebotomy kit and spit sample tubes

Wellcome Connecting Science | Object | Empowering People: Genetic Counselling in Focus

To have a genetic test a person must supply their DNA. This can be done by a blood or saliva sample. It’s most commonly done via blood as better quality DNA samples are usually obtained this way.

Phlebotomy is the process of drawing blood for testing. Some genetic counsellors are trained to take a blood sample from a patient in their clinic using kits such as this one. However, many hospitals will have special clinics where blood is taken. If a person cannot give a blood sample then a saliva sample can be collected in tubes like these.