Tag Archives: sample integrity protocols

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.

Field Blood Collection & Submission

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Field blood sample collection and submission require standardized protocols to ensure sample integrity, safety, and compliance—critical for remote research, forensics, and public health. These procedures address challenges like limited resources, environmental variability, and transport delays, guiding personnel from collection to lab handoff.

Core Standard Procedures

  1. Preparation: Gather sterile single-use tools (vacutainers/lancets), PPE, preservatives, and labeling materials. Check tool expiry and calibrate if needed.
  2. Collection: Disinfect the site, draw blood using proper technique (venipuncture/capillary), and add preservatives (EDTA/ethanol) per sample type. Mix gently to avoid clotting.
  3. Labeling: Mark samples with unique ID, date, time, collector, and sample type. Attach labels securely to containers.
  4. Preservation/Transport: Store at 2–8°C (coolers with ice packs) or use dried blood spot cards for room-temperature transport. Avoid extreme temps.
  5. Submission: Complete chain-of-custody forms, package samples in biohazard containers, and ship to lab with tracking—document all transfers.

Key Features

  • Field-Adaptable: Works with limited equipment and variable environments.
  • Integrity-Focused: Minimizes contamination, hemolysis, and degradation.
  • Compliant: Aligns with global standards (ISO, CLIA) for lab acceptance.
  • Safe: Emphasizes PPE and biohazard handling to prevent pathogen transmission.

Scope & Applications

  • Epidemiology: Remote disease surveillance and outbreak response.
  • Forensics: Crime scene blood evidence collection in rural/remote areas.
  • Wildlife Research: Blood sampling for animal conservation and health monitoring.
  • Global Health: Blood testing in resource-poor regions for public health initiatives.