The science behind genealogical DNA testing is amazing, and in many cases (like mine) it can be completely life-altering. There\u2019s one issue though; two of the three companies require saliva samples and not a cheek swab. While this might not seem like a big deal, it can be when you\u2019re trying to test older generations as the elderly often have difficulty trying to produce enough saliva. Sometimes certain medications can also affect saliva production. So, while a teaspoon of spit might not seem like a lot, many people have had to forego testing at their company of choice due to difficulty producing saliva. For individuals who are searching for biological family using genetic genealogy, this is a huge blow and can dramatically reduce the odds of finding good matches. Fortunately, this hasn\u2019t really been an issue for me, but I discovered the solution to this problem while doing a \u201cjust for fun\u201d test.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
I originally developed an interest in genetic genealogy for the purpose of identifying biological family members. It quickly spiraled out of control into a full-blown hobby. I manage a couple dozen DNA tests for friends and relatives. I tested my daughter in 2015 and when\u00a0Ancestry\u00a0had their Black Friday sale (Hello, $69 DNA tests!) I decided to test my remaining children. The 7 year old did fine. The 5 year old did fine. The 3 year old, however, did not. She is strong-willed and refused to let me hold the vial. Problem was, she would spit, then drink it, spit, then drink it, over and over. If I tried to hold it, she would refuse to even attempt to spit and throw herself on the floor in a tantrum. I was getting stressed once we hit two hours of attempting to collect a sample from a fiercely independent toddler and I gave up.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
After complaining about it to my husband, he asked me \u201cWell, is there a way to do it without her spitting into the tube?\u201d I tried explaining that the topic comes up frequently on my DNA group, but as far as I am aware, no one has figured out how yet. He suggested I figure it out.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Challenge accepted.<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n I did a lot of research and learned that saliva is approximately 99% water and the remainder is electrolytes, enzymes and other naturally occurring substances. I kept researching how to make artificial saliva and after a few days, I was pretty sure I had a theory figured out. My biggest concern was that I would accidentally create a hypotonic solution and the cells would burst, but at this point, what would it hurt to at least try? If it fails, it fails. If it succeeds, I could help a lot of people in much more serious predicaments than a strong willed toddler. If my ridiculous amount of biology courses prepared me for anything, it was for this moment. I took a leap of faith, created an artificial saliva solution and guess what? It worked. Perfectly. I was on pins and needles the entire time her sample was processing, but as soon as those results came in, I knew I had figured it out! I was shocked. I was sooooo sure the test would fail. So here\u2019s the information YOU will need in order to re-create my artificial saliva test kit.<\/p>\n\n\n\n If you have the time,\u00a0PLEASE WATCH THE VIDEO.<\/em>\u00a0It can be so much easier to understand with the visual\/audio explanation versus the written! Please watch the video before asking me questions! I know it\u2019s long, but bear with me!<\/strong><\/p><\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n