Category Archives: DNA sample collection set

Methods and Procedures for Using Shed Cell Collectors

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Using shed cell collectors requires standardized methods to ensure efficient cell recovery and sample integrity for forensic, research, and clinical applications. These procedures guide from pre-collection prep to post-collection handling, minimizing contamination and maximizing DNA yield.

Core Methods & Procedures

  1. Prep & Safety: Gather single-use collectors, gloves, preservative tubes, and labels. Put on fresh gloves; inspect collector packaging for damage.
  2. Surface Assessment: Identify target area (e.g., weapon grip, door handle); note surface type (porous/non-porous) to adjust pressure.
  3. Collection: For rigid collectors—press textured surface firmly, move in 5–10 circular motions. For swab-style—swab surface with moderate pressure, covering 4–6 cm².
  4. Sample Transfer: Immediately place collector into preservative tube (e.g., lysis buffer) or press onto FTA card; avoid touching sampling surface.
  5. Labeling & Documentation: Mark tube/card with ID, date, location, and collector; log in chain-of-custody records.

Key Features

  • Contamination Control: Single-use design and glove protocols prevent cross-contamination.
  • Cell Yield Optimization: Standardized pressure/movement ensures consistent, high cell recovery.
  • Surface Adaptability: Works on porous (fabric, wood) and non-porous (metal, glass) surfaces.
  • User-Friendly: Simple steps suitable for trained personnel in field or lab settings.

Scope & Applications

  • Forensics: Crime scene evidence (weapons, clothing) for DNA profiling.
  • Clinical Research: Collecting epithelial cells for disease biomarker studies.
  • Environmental Monitoring: Recovering microbial cells from surfaces in healthcare facilities.

Hard-Base Shed Cell Collector for Forensic Field Applications

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Hard-base shed cell collectors are specialized tools for forensic field collection of脱落上皮细胞, critical for DNA profiling from crime scene surfaces. Their rigid design addresses challenges of soft swabs, ensuring efficient cell recovery and sample integrity.

Core Design & Use

  • Hard-Base Structure: Rigid plastic/metal base with textured sampling surface (e.g., micro-brush, adhesive pad) to scrape/lift cells from non-porous (glass, metal) and porous (fabric, wood) surfaces.
  • Collection Process: Press base firmly against target area, move in circular motions; transfer collected cells to preservative tube or FTA card immediately post-collection.
  • Contamination Control: Single-use, pre-sterilized; comes with sealed packaging and disposable gloves to prevent cross-contamination.

Key Features

  • High Cell Yield: Rigid base enables better contact pressure, recovering 2–3x more cells than soft swabs.
  • Surface Versatility: Works on uneven, curved, or rough surfaces where swabs fail.
  • Field-Durable: Resistant to breakage in harsh crime scene environments (e.g., outdoor, wet conditions).
  • Easy Handling: Lightweight, ergonomic grip for precise sampling in tight spaces.

Scope & Applications

  • Crime Scene Investigation: Collecting cells from weapons, tools, clothing, door handles, and other evidence.
  • Forensic Evidence Processing: Recovering trace cells from previously overlooked surfaces (e.g., vehicle interiors, furniture).
  • Cold Case Reviews: Re-sampling old evidence with

Blood Sample Transport for Hot, Humid Climates

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Blood sample storage and transportation in hot (＞30°C) and humid (＞60% RH) conditions demand specialized solutions to prevent degradation, hemolysis, and microbial growth. These solutions combine temperature control, moisture barriers, and preservatives to maintain sample integrity for testing.

Core Solutions

  • Insulated Containers: Use phase-change material (PCM) coolers or vacuum-insulated boxes to maintain 2–8°C for 24–72 hours; avoid ice direct contact with samples.
  • Moisture-Resistant Packaging: Seal samples in vacuum-sealed foil bags with silica gel desiccants to absorb humidity; use O-ring tubes for liquid samples.
  • Preservative Additives: Add EDTA (for hematology) or protease inhibitors (for proteins) to slow degradation; use dried blood spot cards for room-temp transport.
  • Rapid Logistics: Prioritize same-day or next-day shipping; track temperature via data loggers for real-time monitoring.

Key Features

  • Thermal Stability: Sustains target temps despite external heat fluctuations.
  • Humidity Control: Prevents moisture-induced microbial growth and sample clumping.
  • Sample Versatility: Works for liquid blood, plasma, serum, and dried blood spots.
  • Compliance: Meets IATA, WHO standards for safe transport of biological materials.

Scope & Applications

  • Tropical Clinical Settings: Transporting patient samples to central labs in hot, humid regions.
  • Field Research: Storing blood samples from wildlife or remote human populations.
  • Disaster Response: Managing blood supplies and test samples in post-storm/hurricane areas.
  • Global Health: Shipping blood samples for disease surveillance in equatorial countries.

Standardized DNA Collection Card Protocols for Paternity Testing

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Standardized DNA collection card protocols for paternity testing ensure accurate, legally valid样本采集, critical for resolving biological parentage claims. These protocols govern sample handling from collection to lab analysis, minimizing errors and contamination.

Core Protocols

  • Pre-Collection Prep: Use sterile, FDA-approved collection cards; obtain informed consent; verify participant IDs (photo ID for legal tests).
  • Sample Collection: For oral swabs—rub sterile swab on inner cheek 10–15 times, apply to card; for blood—spot 2–3 drops of capillary blood. Air-dry 1–2 hours.
  • Labeling: Mark cards with unique ID, participant name, DOB, collection date/time, and collector initials.
  • Storage/Transport: Seal in moisture-proof bags with desiccants; ship at room temp; avoid extreme heat/moisture.
  • Quality Control: Check card integrity pre-use; document any sample anomalies (e.g., insufficient volume).

Key Features

  • Legal Validity: Aligns with ISO 17025, AABB standards for court-admissible results.
  • Contamination Control: Single-use tools, gloves, and sealed packaging prevent cross-contamination.
  • Accuracy: Standardized sample volume and handling ensure reliable DNA profiling.
  • Convenience: Portable cards enable collection in clinics, homes, or remote locations.

Scope & Applications

  • Legal Paternity Cases: Child support, custody, inheritance disputes requiring court-admissible evidence.
  • Private Paternity Testing: At-home or clinic-based tests for personal confirmation.
  • Immigration Applications: Proving biological relationships for visa/passport processes.
  • Adoption/Ancestry: Reuniting adoptees with biological parents via DNA matching.

Sterile Single-Use Blood Collectors

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One-time use sampling tools have become the gold standard for safe and standardized blood collection across clinical, forensic, and research settings. Designed to eliminate cross-contamination risks and ensure consistent sample quality, these single-use devices replace reusable equipment (e.g., glass syringes, metal lancets) that requires rigorous cleaning and sterilization—processes prone to human error. From needles and vacutainers to lancets and collection tubes, each tool is pre-sterilized, calibrated, and engineered for a specific function, adhering to global standards (e.g., ISO 13485, FDA regulations) to guarantee reliability. Their adoption has significantly reduced the transmission of bloodborne pathogens (e.g., HIV, hepatitis B/C) and improved the reproducibility of blood-based tests, making them indispensable for modern healthcare and scientific practice.

Core Tool Types & Components

These tools are modular and tailored to different blood collection needs, ensuring versatility without compromising safety:
  • Vacutainer Systems: The most widely used tools, consisting of a pre-sterilized needle, a plastic holder, and vacuum-sealed collection tubes. Tubes are available with different additives (EDTA for hematology, citrate for coagulation, serum separators for chemistry tests) to preserve sample integrity for specific analyses. The vacuum ensures precise blood volume draw, reducing overfilling or underfilling errors.
  • Lancet Devices: Used for capillary blood collection (e.g., fingersticks for glucose testing or pediatric samples). These spring-loaded, single-use devices feature a sharp, sterile needle that penetrates the skin to a controlled depth (0.3–2.0mm), minimizing pain and reducing the risk of injury compared to reusable lancets. Post-use, the needle retracts into the device for safe disposal.
  • Blood Collection Bags: For large-volume blood draws (e.g., blood donations), these sterile, plastic bags contain anticoagulants (e.g., CPDA-1) and are equipped with needle protectors and ports for sample aliquoting. They are designed to prevent leakage and ensure compatibility with blood banking equipment.
  • Accessory Tools: Pre-sterilized alcohol swabs for skin disinfection, gauze pads for hemostasis, adhesive bandages, and biohazard disposal containers. These accessories complement the primary tools, supporting a complete, standardized collection workflow.

Key Features Ensuring Safety & Standardization

  • Pre-Sterilization: All tools undergo ethylene oxide (EtO) or gamma radiation sterilization, with sterility indicators (e.g., color-changing labels) to confirm effectiveness—eliminating cross-contamination from previous use.
  • Fixed Calibration: Needle gauges (18–25G for vacutainers, 28–33G for lancets) and vacuum levels are factory-set to ensure consistent blood draw volume and minimize hemolysis (red blood cell damage) that can skew test results.
  • Sharps Injury Prevention: Many tools (e.g., retractable lancets, safety needles) feature built-in mechanisms that cover or retract the needle after use, reducing the risk of needlestick injuries to healthcare workers by up to 80%.
  • Traceability: Each tool is labeled with a lot number and expiry date, enabling batch tracking and recall if quality issues arise—supporting regulatory compliance.

Scope & Applications

  • Clinical Healthcare: Routine blood tests (CBC, chemistry panels), blood donations, and point-of-care testing (POCT) in hospitals, clinics, and physician offices.
  • Forensic Science: Collection of blood evidence from crime scenes or suspects for DNA profiling, with single-use tools ensuring sample integrity and avoiding cross-contamination of evidence.
  • Public Health & Epidemiology: Large-scale blood screening campaigns (e.g., hepatitis B surveys, COVID-19 antibody testing) in remote or resource-limited regions, where standardized tools ensure reliable data.
  • Veterinary Medicine: Blood collection from animals for diagnostic testing, with species-specific lancet depths and tube additives to accommodate different blood volumes and properties.

Enhanced Double-Hole Blood Sample Collection Card Kit Overview

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The Enhanced Double-Hole Blood Sample Collection Card Kit is an advanced solution designed to streamline and improve the efficiency of blood sample collection, preservation, and downstream analysis. Building on the foundational benefits of traditional dried blood spot (DBS) cards, this enhanced kit features a dual-hole design that enables simultaneous collection of two independent blood samples on a single card—addressing the need for duplicate testing, multi-assay compatibility, or backup samples in clinical, forensic, and research settings. Integrated with upgraded preservation reagents and user-centric accessories, the kit ensures long-term DNA/biomarker stability while simplifying workflow for field and lab personnel alike.

Kit Composition & Design Features

The kit is thoughtfully engineered with components that prioritize sample integrity, operational ease, and versatility:
  • Double-Hole Collection Card: A cellulose-based card with two distinct, labeled sample wells (5–8mm diameter each) separated by a hydrophobic barrier. This prevents cross-contamination between samples while allowing side-by-side collection. The card is impregnated with enhanced preservation reagents—including chaotropic salts, EDTA, and antimicrobial agents—that lyse cells, inactivate nucleases, and inhibit microbial growth to preserve DNA and proteins for up to 8 years at room temperature.
  • Sample Application Tools: Sterile capillary tubes (10μL/20μL) for precise blood volume measurement, disposable transfer pipettes, and a calibrated dropper to ensure consistent sample loading into each hole. The tools reduce human error and ensure uniform sample spreading within each well.
  • Preservation & Storage Accessories: Moisture-resistant foil pouches with pre-loaded silica gel desiccants to maintain card dryness during storage/transport, tamper-evident seals for chain-of-custody tracking, and a waterproof storage box to protect cards from environmental damage.
  • Documentation & Safety Supplies: Printed labels for sample identification (patient ID, date, time), chain-of-custody forms, disposable nitrile gloves, and absorbent pads for spill cleanup—supporting compliance and user safety.

Key Functional Advantages

  • Dual-Sample Efficiency: Eliminates the need for multiple single-hole cards by enabling two independent samples per card, reducing kit costs and storage space by up to 50%.
  • Cross-Contamination Prevention: Hydrophobic barriers between holes and sterile application tools ensure no sample mixing, critical for duplicate testing or multi-analyte workflows (e.g., DNA genotyping and infectious disease screening).
  • Enhanced Biomarker Stability: Upgraded reagents improve preservation of both DNA and proteins, expanding compatibility with downstream applications like PCR, ELISA, and next-generation sequencing (NGS).
  • Field-Friendly Workflow: No refrigeration required, lightweight packaging (150–200g per kit), and clear, pictorial instructions make it suitable for remote or resource-limited settings.

Scope & Applications

  • Clinical Diagnostics: Pediatric or geriatric blood sampling for duplicate genetic testing (e.g., newborn screening, rare disease diagnostics) or simultaneous infectious disease and biomarker analysis.
  • Forensic Science: Collection of blood evidence from crime scenes for parallel DNA profiling (one sample for analysis, one for backup) while maintaining chain-of-custody integrity.
  • Epidemiological Research: Large-scale surveys in remote regions, where dual samples support both immediate testing and long-term biobanking for future studies.
  • Animal Health & Veterinary Science: Collection of small blood volumes from livestock or wildlife for concurrent pathogen detection and genetic diversity analysis.

Usage Best Practices

To maximize performance: Apply 10–20μL of blood to each hole (avoid overloading to prevent barrier breach); air-dry the card horizontally for 60–90 minutes before sealing in desiccated pouches; store at 15–25°C away from direct sunlight; and use a sterile punch tool to extract sample discs from each hole for downstream analysis.

FTA Cards for Blood Sample Preservation and DNA Analysis

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FTA cards (short for “Fixative, Transport, and Analysis cards”) are specialized cellulose-based matrices designed for the long-term preservation of blood samples and subsequent DNA analysis. Developed to address the challenges of traditional liquid blood storage—such as refrigeration requirements, microbial growth, and sample degradation—FTA cards integrate chemical reagents (e.g., chaotropic salts, chelating agents, and antimicrobial compounds) that immediately fix blood cells, inactivate nucleases, and prevent microbial contamination. This technology has revolutionized field-based blood collection, enabling samples to be stored and transported at room temperature for years while maintaining high-quality DNA suitable for PCR, genotyping, and sequencing. From clinical diagnostics to forensic investigations and epidemiological surveys, FTA cards have become a staple tool for reliable, cost-effective blood DNA preservation.

Working Principle & Operation Steps

FTA cards rely on a multi-step chemical process to preserve blood samples and stabilize DNA, with a straightforward workflow suitable for field or lab use:
  1. Sample Application: A small volume of whole blood (50–100μL, approximately 1–2 drops) is spotted directly onto the labeled circles of the FTA card. For dried blood spots (DBS), the card is held horizontally to ensure uniform spreading without pooling.
  2. Fixation & Preservation: The card’s reagents immediately lyse blood cells, release DNA, and denature proteins (including nucleases that degrade DNA). Chaotropic salts disrupt cell membranes, while chelating agents (e.g., EDTA) bind metal ions required for nuclease activity, and antimicrobials prevent bacterial/fungal growth.
  3. Drying: The card is air-dried at room temperature for 1–2 hours (or 30 minutes in a fume hood). Drying is critical—moisture残留 can lead to sample degradation or cross-contamination. The card is then stored in a sealed plastic bag with a desiccant to absorb ambient moisture.
  4. DNA Extraction for Analysis: A small punch (2–3mm diameter) is taken from the blood-spotted area using a sterile punch tool. The punch is washed 2–3 times with FTA purification buffer (or TE buffer) to remove reagents and residual hemoglobin, then dried. The purified punch is directly added to PCR reactions, as the DNA remains bound to the card matrix and is released during PCR thermal cycling.

Key Features

  • Room-Temperature Stability: Preserves DNA for up to 10+ years at 15–25°C, eliminating the need for refrigeration or freezers during storage/transport.
  • Microbial & Nuclease Inactivation: Integrated reagents prevent microbial growth and nuclease activity, ensuring DNA integrity even in warm or humid conditions.
  • Minimal Sample Volume: Requires only small blood volumes, making it ideal for pediatric samples, wildlife studies, or resource-limited settings.
  • Cost-Effective & Portable: Lightweight, compact, and cheaper than liquid storage tubes, reducing shipping costs and logistical burdens for fieldwork.

Scope & Applications

  • Clinical Diagnostics: Storage of patient blood samples for genetic disease testing (e.g., sickle cell anemia), infectious disease surveillance (e.g., HIV, malaria), and pharmacogenomics.
  • Forensic Science: Preservation of blood evidence from crime scenes (e.g., dried blood stains) for DNA profiling, with long-term stability supporting cold case investigations.
  • Epidemiological Research: Large-scale blood collection in remote or resource-poor regions to study disease prevalence, genetic diversity, or population health trends.
  • Wildlife Conservation: Collection of small blood samples from endangered species for genetic monitoring, parentage analysis, or disease screening without requiring immediate lab access.

DNA Collection Card for Blood Samples

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The Standard DNA Blood Sample Collection Card Kit is designed for efficient and reliable collection of blood samples for DNA analysis. The kit includes a specially treated collection card, which absorbs and stabilizes blood samples, ensuring DNA integrity during storage and transport. It is ideal for forensic investigations, genetic testing, and medical diagnostics. The blood is collected directly onto the card, eliminating the need for liquid sample containers, and reducing the risk of contamination. This kit supports PCR, sequencing, and genotyping, making it a vital tool for accurate DNA profiling.

Key Features:

  • Specially treated collection cards for blood absorption

  • Prevents contamination and preserves DNA integrity

  • Supports PCR, sequencing, and genotyping

  • Convenient, portable, and easy to use

Application Scope:

  • Forensic blood sample collection

  • Genetic testing and medical diagnostics

  • Criminal justice and legal use

  • DNA transport and storage

Tube Technology for Preventing Sample Decay and Mold

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Tube technology designed to prevent sample decay and mold growth is critical for preserving the integrity of biological evidence. These tubes are equipped with moisture-resistant seals and anti-mold additives that inhibit microbial growth, ensuring that DNA samples remain viable for long-term storage. They are ideal for storing blood, saliva, and touch DNA collected at crime scenes or during medical investigations. With optimal ventilation and desiccant features, these tubes safeguard against contamination, preserving high-purity DNA for PCR, sequencing, and genotyping, even from degraded samples.

Key Features:

  • Moisture-resistant seals to prevent decay

  • Anti-mold additives for long-term preservation

  • Suitable for PCR, sequencing, and genotyping

  • Effective for storing degraded or minimal DNA samples

Application Scope:

  • Forensic evidence collection and storage

  • Long-term biological sample preservation

  • Crime scene and medical sample transport

  • DNA analysis and genetic research

Techniques to Improve Trace Sample Extraction Efficiency

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Improving trace sample extraction efficiency is crucial in forensic and DNA analysis, especially when dealing with minimal or degraded samples. Techniques such as enhanced swabbing methods, optimized buffer solutions, and specialized collection tools maximize DNA recovery from trace evidence like blood, saliva, or touch DNA. Advanced filtration and elution methods increase the yield of DNA, ensuring high-purity samples for PCR, sequencing, and genotyping. These techniques are especially useful in cold-case investigations and crime scene processing, providing reliable results even from low-concentration evidence.

Key Features:

  • Enhanced swabbing and buffer solutions for better recovery

  • Optimized filtration and elution methods

  • High-purity DNA for PCR, sequencing, and genotyping

  • Effective for minimal or degraded samples

Application Scope:

  • Forensic crime scene analysis

  • Cold-case investigations and DNA recovery

  • Laboratory research and genetic profiling

  • Clinical diagnostics