Swab DNA Testing Reliability Services:
Swab DNA Test Reliability
The hallmark of the reliability of DNA testing rests on the accuracy and reliability of the samples of DNA that are collected for analysis. Poor collection procedures, improper storage of samples and mishandling of samples are the leading causes for errors in DNA testing. In recent years the favored method of collection DNA samples has switched from blood samples to taking cheek cell samples via the use of a buccal swab. This has helped eliminate many of the handling and storage issues that affected reliability of blood samples as well as introduced a new, lower-cost way of gathering samples.
The buccal swab looks like an ordinary cotton swab in many ways, but elongated. However, it is far more complex than your typical dime store swab. It comes prepackaged in a sealed, sterile container from the factory to ensure that it is not contaminated before its use. The swab itself contains a chemical agent that helps preserve the samples collected for a longer shelf life – up to 6 months in some cases. Finally, the swab is easy for anyone to use – there is no longer a need for medical personnel to collect samples as anyone can do it in the convenience of their own home.
The buccal swab method of collecting DNA samples is one of the most reliable methods available on the market today. The subject being tested simply rubs the swab on the inside of their cheek to collect the cells and then puts the swab back into a sealed container for processing. There is very little room for error in this method.
Once the swab is received in the lab it is checked in like any other specimen. The swab is transferred to a machine that will then extract DNA samples from the swab for analysis. The machine itself is also a sterile, sealed environment that helps eliminate the possibility of contamination from the outside.
Many of the at-home dna testing services rely on swab collection as their primary means of collecting the samples from the subjects being tested. They typically will mail the sample collectors out along with instructions on how to use. The subject merely has to perform the collection and put it back in a sealed container and send it back in for analysis. It is a low-cost collection mechanism that many companies provide free of charge in hopes of gaining new business.
The main point of concern, as with any collection method, is contamination. If the swab is dropped on the floor or counter, or used accidentally by two people it needs to be disposed of and a fresh swab used. A swab is meant for one person and is single-use. The number one reason that samples get rejected from the lab is the swab has been contaminated in some fashion that makes it impossible to get usable DNA samples from it.
The second concern with the swab collection method is of course proper tracking and identification of the sample. This is not a failure of the swab, but of the people that are handling the swab. It must be correctly identified and tracked through the system to make sure that it is not confused with other samples that may be in the lab. All swabs come with a barcoded container that they are placed in. Some manufacturers have even been experimenting with embedding a tiny RFID chip in the swab itself to further help track and identify the swab – though this technology is not widely available as of yet.
Overall, the swab collection method is one of the easiest, lowest-cost, most reliable methods of collecting samples for analysis on the market today. Reliability is not a concern when handled and tracked properly.