Product FAQs

SecurSwab™ Line

What is the difference between the Crime Scene Collector and the Bode SecurSwab Collector?

The Crime Scene Collector has features that are designed specifically for the crime scene. It is packaged in an easy-to-go 10 pack, where the Bode SecurSwab Collector are packaged in packs of 20. Both packaging designs are resealable foil bags to protect the collectors from moisture. Both products have 4 matching barcodes. The Crime Scene Collectors are pre-labeled with one on the protective tube and one on the swab. The other 2 barcodes are on the collector wrapper and can easily be removed to add to documentation. The Bode SecurSwab Collector comes with all 4 matching barcodes on the collector wrapper.

What types of samples can be collected?

The Crime Scene Collector/Bode SecurSwab Collector can be used to collect Forensic Evidence at a Crime Scene or samples from people for DNA identification purposes.

What type of Forensic samples can be collected?

Wet or dry samples can be collected. For dry collection add 1-3 drops (~100μL) of sterile water to the swab prior to collecting the sample. For stains, a wet collection followed by a dry collection with a second Crime Scene Collector™/Bode SecurSwab Collector™ is recommended.

What type of Human samples can be collected?

The collectors have been E-beam treated to make the swab safe for human use. Reference buccal collections can be made, as well as, samples required for collection after sexual or physical assaults.

How much sample should be collected?

Up to 150μL can be collected.

How long should the sample be air dried?

The drying time depends on the sample. For dry samples where 1-3 drops of water have been added, no air drying is necessary. For wet samples with more than 100ul collected, air drying the sample for 15 minutes is recommended prior to capping for transport and storage.

How long should the sample be stored and dried prior to processing?

It is recommended that drying in the closed tube with desiccant should be done for approximately 24 hours.

How does the DNA yield from collection using the Crime Scene Collector/Bode SecurSwab Collector compare to a generic swab?

An independent study performed at a mock crime scene showed the Crime Scene Collector/Bode SecurSwab Collector was able to obtain 31% more yield than a generic swab.

How much DNA can the Crime Scene Collector/Bode SecurSwab Collector obtain when taking a buccal sample?

The average DNA yield per buccal sample collection is 3.97ug.

How do I remove the collected sample so that I can process the collection?

The Crime Scene Collector/Bode SecurSwab Collector is designed so that the head can be snapped off directly into a tube for processing. If you do not want to process the entire sample, a portion of the swab can be cut off and the remaining portion of the swab can be stored or discarded.

How do I extract a sample from the cotton?

The Crime Scene Collector/Bode SecurSwab Collector is compatible with any commercially available kits. We have found that we obtain the best results when using a Qiagen extraction kit.

How should the collector with sample be stored?

Store at ambient temperature in a cool dry environment.

How can I tell if the desiccant has not been saturated with moisture?

By the color. If the desiccant is blue/gray, then it has not been used. If the color is pink, then it has been used.

Good desiccant

Spent desiccant

If the desiccant has been saturated, should I replace it during storage?

Yes, if the color of the desiccant is pink, it should be replaced.

Does Bode offer additional desiccants?

Yes, the part number is P01D62.

To order this product or for additional information, please contact our Technical Service Department at 1-866-BODE 4 ID (263-3443) ext STR (787).

Buccal DNA Collector

How does the Buccal DNA Collector compare to current buccal methods in use?

The slider Buccal DNA Collector provides a supported flat surface for optimum collection of cells. It is easy to barcode or label and uses a direct collection method that requires no transfer step and requires minimal training.

Is this safe to put in my mouth?

Yes, the Buccal DNA Collector has been E-beam treated, making it safe for use in your mouth.

How should the collector be stored?

Store at ambient temperature in a cool dry environment.

How is a sample obtained for processing from the Buccal DNA Collector?

After a buccal sample is collected on the Buccal DNA Collector are small sample is punched or cut out of the filter paper. A clean hole punch can be used. The sample should be punched directly into a micro-titer plate or into an extraction tube. The sample is then extracted from the paper using the preferred extraction method. Punch sizes can vary depending on the application.

What size of a sample should I punch from the Buccal DNA Collector for processing?

That depends on the application. For obtaining a sample for DNA identification, a 4.7mm punch is recommended. If more DNA is needed, a larger punch can be used. The punch size should be validated by the user to find the optimal punch size.

What is the average yield per punch?

The yield range for these samples was 60 – 310ng. In a controlled study, n=44 Buccal DNA Collector samples, self collected, using QiagenTM BioSprint 96 DNA extraction, followed by QuantifilerTM Human DNA Quantification Kit, showed an average yield of 168.53ng per 4.7mm punch from the top area of the collector.  Field collected samples also gave a similar DNA yield per punch.

How many punches can be removed from a Buccal DNA Collector?

It is possible to remove 19 (n = 19) 4.7mm punches per collector.

Is there a difference in DNA yield depending on where I punch the collector?

Yes, highest DNA yields can be obtained from the top of the collector. It is still possible to collect DNA anywhere on the collector. The least amount of DNA can be found at the base. An example of the spatial distribution is shown below.

Position location on Buccal DNA Collector	Avg DNA yield per punch Quantifier&reg	DNA yield range per punch Quantifier&reg
Tip	168.53ng	60.9 – 308.8ng
Near tip	112.94ng	42.1 – 212.1ng
Upper middle	108.13	42.9 – 220.4ng
Middle	93.14ng	37.7 – 279.2ng
Lower middle	81.33ng	19.6 – 267.5ng
Near base	61.67	8.5 – 187.1ng
Base	61.66ng	8.2 – 217.5ng

How much DNA can be obtained per collector?

The yield range for the collector was 925-4825ng of DNA. In a controlled study, n=44 Buccal DNA Collector samples, self collected, using Qiagen BioSprint™96 DNA extraction, followed by QuantifilerTM Human DNA Quantification Kit, showed an average yield per collector of 2175ng of DNA.

What are the recommended procedures for extraction and quantification of DNA from the Buccal DNA Collector?

Any commercially available kit can be used for processing a sample from the Buccal DNA Collector. We recommend using QiagenTM BioSprint 96 DNA extraction method, followed by QuantifilerTM Human DNA Quantification. Internal validation should be performed by the user.

What procedures did you use for your internal studies?

Extraction with the QiagenTM BioSprint 96 DNA Blood Kit on the Biosprint 96 and Quantification using QuantifilerTM Human DNA Quantification Kit.

If I need more sample than is in a single punch, can I process multiple punches in a single well?

Yes, multiple punches can be processed in the same well without compromising yield but the procedure(s) will have to be validated for such use.

Why is there variability in the yield data?

Sample collection can vary from subject to subject. Sample variance can be exacerbated if the subject is non compliant.

How much DNA is required to obtain a DNA profile?

100pg of DNA is required to obtain an STR profile

How much DNA is required to do a SNP analysis?

It varies according to the required process. There are several ways to run SNP analysis. The required amount of DNA can vary from nanograms to micrograms. A typical SNP analysis requires about 250ng of DNA, but the amount of DNA depends on the assay. Larger punch size or more than one punch per well can provide enough DNA for SNP analysis.

Have long-term stability studies been done with biological material collected on the Buccal DNA Collector™?

Yes, ongoing validation of the Buccal DNA Collector has reached 6 years and full DNA profiles are still obtained.

Why buccal cells instead of blood?

Buccal collection is a non-invasive DNA collection method that eliminates risks associated with handling and transferring blood samples. Collection, processing and storing is significantly less expensive when using buccal cells as well.