DNA test kits go out of date?

[Mimble]

Hello, I am considering buying a couple of DNA test kits on special offer at the moment to take to South Africa in January 2023. Does anyone know if they have to be used within a certain time? Do they expire?
Thanks

[AngelaR]

Others will know more than me about the chemical bases into which you spit or whatever, but my understanding is that everything is pretty inert, so they shouldn't go off at all. Many people seem to hang onto these kits for years before using them (especially if they were given as a present).....

[bikermickau]

I think there is a use by date.
A sister gave me a Ancestry DNA test kit for my 60 birthday and it took me over over 3 years before I decided to use it.
My sister had to organize a reissue as I couldn't register the DNA kit she gave me.
I forget or didn't know why I couldn't register it.

I don't think there was any extra cost involved with the reissue.

Mick.

[trystan]

I would imagine they would go out of date, simply because the packaging that holds the swabs would have a date on them to assure that they are sterile. In the same way that plasters and bandages have us-by dates.

It would be quite a long length of time I would have thought though. Hopefully, somebody who has a kit can tell us.

Trystan

[phil57]

This is what Ancestry say:

DNA kits can be used for at least one year after the date of purchase, and often longer. If you’ve had a DNA test for more than a year and you haven’t sent in your saliva sample, activate the kit and send in your sample. If the test fails at the lab, we’ll replace your AncestryDNA kit.

https://support.ancestry.co.uk/s/article/Replacing-a-DNA-Kit#:~:text=DNA%20kits%20can%20be%20used,ll%20replace%20your%20AncestryDNA%20kit.


 

[AngelaR]

That's useful to know, Phil - particularly that they will replace them free of charge.

[Gadget]

There are often special offers on (usually around US holidays) so you could look out for one nearer your departure date.

Gadget

[Mimble]

Thanks for all the information - I think I'll wait to the Black Friday sales and get one nearer the time. Thanks all.

[bikermickau]

Ancestry.au has a St Patrick's Day sale until the 17th this month. With postage it's $120au.