Description
4N6FLOQSwabs represent a breakthrough to guarantee that even smallest amounts of DNA can be collected and remain available for testing. Targets range from epithelial cells, saliva, sweat and blood to environmental samples. The swabs can be used in a broad variety of applications. 4N6FLOQSwabs are available in three formats. Peelpouch: 4N6FLOQSwabs with molded breakpoint are packaged individually in a convenient peelpouch. Dry tube: The plastic tube guarantees swab integrity and avoids the risk of sample contamination during transport. Tube with active drying system: This system ensures sample drying in the tube preventing microbial growth. Common features of 4N6FLOQSwabs include the unique fiber tip and a pre-molded breakpoint on the solid plastic applicator shaft compatible with standard tubes and cuvettes.
Comparison of DNA recovered from trace blood samples on various solid substrates with FLOQSwabs or cotton swabs showed that the FLOQSwabs system was superior in most cases, including recovery of DNA from metal, wood and plastic. FLOQSwabs performed better than cotton swabs in a comparison of DNA recovered from various common forensic trace samples such as saliva, sweat and blood. (See figure DNA recovery with forensic DNA extraction kits using FLOQSwabs versus cotton swabs.) The 4N6FLOQSwabs tube with active drying system includes integrated drying. The sample is dried in the tube and microbial growth is prevented. DNA stability is guaranteed for 12+ months at RT and –80°C. A saliva sample (100 μl) is completely dry after storage for 24 hours in a tube with active drying. (See figure Comparison of drying of a saliva sample collected with 4N6FLOQSwabs with and without active drying.)
Sprayed-on Nylon fibers: Fibers are arranged in a uniform perpendicular fashion to ensure a quick, capillarity-driven sample uptake and to optimize the collection of epithelial cells. The absence of a disorganized fiber structure trapping the sample allows a superior elution of the biological specimen. The sample is instantaneously and automatically released when 4N6FLOQSwabs are mixed with assay reagents, placed in buffer solutions or onto solid absorbent substrates, e.g., QIAcard FTA. Active drying system: Molecular sieve particles contained in the tube stopper actively absorb water molecules and dry out the collected sample. Plastic foil barrier packaging ensures the molecular sieve drying action is activated only upon pouch opening.
Biological evidence can be collected using dry swabs or swabs moistened with water. To collect a wet sample, place the tip of the swab in the substance and roll the swab over the sample until it is completely collected. (See figure Wet sample: Roll swab on the trace.) To collect a dry sample, moisten one side of the swab with a drop of nuclease-free water leaving the other side dry. Rub the trace with the tip of the swab. (See figure Dry sample 1: Rub swab on the trace.) Roll the moist side over the substance to collect most of the sample, then rub with the dry side until it is completely collected. (See figure Dry sample 2: Roll swab on the trace.) After collection, environmental factors such as heat and humidity can provide a growth environment for microbes leading to DNA degradation. Evidence collected with the swab should be allowed to air dry before it is packaged in an evidence bag.
