Breakable single-head biological evidence swabs are essential for field collection of DNA, blood, or bodily fluids, with a frangible handle enabling easy sample transfer to preservative tubes. This guide outlines key steps to ensure sample integrity and forensic validity.
Field Collection Steps
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Prep & Safety: Wear sterile gloves; open swab packaging without touching the sampling head. Gather labeled preservative tubes (with buffer).
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Sampling: Moisten swab head with sterile water (for dry samples) or directly swab wet evidence (blood, saliva) using gentle circular motions.
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Break & Secure: Hold the swab over the preservative tube, snap the breakable handle at the scored line; let the swab head fall into the tube.
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Seal & Document: Cap the tube tightly, invert 5x to mix; label with evidence ID, date, location, and collector. Log in chain-of-custody records.
Key Features
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Contamination Prevention: Single-use design and no-touch transfer reduce cross-contamination risks.
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Easy Handling: Scored breakable handle simplifies tube insertion without sample loss.
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Sample Preservation: Works with most preservative buffers to maintain DNA/biological integrity.
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Field-Durable: Rigid handle resists bending during sampling on rough surfaces.
Scope & Applications
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Forensic Crime Scenes: Collecting biological evidence from weapons, clothing, or surfaces.
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Clinical Fieldwork: Sampling for infectious disease surveillance in remote areas.
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Wildlife Research: Gathering biological samples from animals for DNA analysis.