• 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 radiation treated in accordance with FDA Quality System Regulations, 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 normal hole punch can be used. The sample should be punched directly into a micro-titer plate or onto a clean surface where there is no risk of contamination. 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?

  In a controlled study, n=44 Buccal DNA Collector samples, self collected, using Qiagen^TM BioSprint 96 DNA extraction, followed by Quantifiler^TM Human DNA Quantification Kit, showed an average yield of 168.53ng per 4.7mm punch from the top area of the collector. The yield range for these samples was 60 – 310ng.
  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 Quantifiler	DNA yield range per punch Quantifiler
  Tip	168.53ng	60.9 – 308.8ng
  Near tip	112.94ng	42.1 – 212.1ng
  Upper middle	108.13ng	42.9 – 220.4ng
  Middle	93.14ng	37.7 – 279.2ng
  Lower middle	81.33ng	19.6 – 267.5ng
  Near base	61.67ng	8.5 – 187.1ng
  Base	61.66ng	8.2 – 217.5ng

• How much DNA can be obtained per collectors?

  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. The yield range for the collector was 925-4825ng 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 Quantifiler^TM Human DNA Quantification. Internal validation should be performed by the user.

• What procedures did you use for your internal studies?

  Extraction with the Qiagen^TM BioSprint 96 DNA Blood Kit on the Biosprint 96 and Quantification using Quantifiler^TM 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 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?

  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 5 years and full DNA profiles are still obtained. The collection paper for this device has been used since 1963 for the collection of biological materials.

• 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.

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