Post-mortem DNA Collection

Post-mortem DNA collection

Frequently it is necessary for Coroners and Medical Examiners to collect blood or buccal samples post-mortem for future DNA testing. In the past a large amount of blood was collected in vacutainers and stored in freezers for DNA purification and analysis. Shipping these blood samples to the testing lab was cumbersome and expensive. A low cost, efficient way to collect, store and ship blood samples is on filter cards.

Post-mortem DNA applications

Profile victims of violent crimes

Profile unidentified remains

Post-mortem paternity testing

Family reference samples

Sibling testing

Insurance purposes

Inheritance purposes

Ancestry

Genetic disease tracking

Estate testing

Immigration testing

Collecting biological samples on storage media

Storage of biological samples on solid media is an accepted method of blood and buccal storage. This method has the advantages of ease, space savings and low cost compared to vacutainer tubes and freezers. Traditionally, biological samples were stored on cellulose filters which required freezer storage to protect the DNA from degradation. FTA treated cards are an improvement on plain filter storage.

FTA cards are chemically coated filter cards which have been shown to preserve DNA during long-term storage at room temperature. The chemical coating inhibits proteins which can cause DNA damage and prevents degradation due to environmental damage such as UV.

FTA Advantages

Easy sample collection

Blood or buccal samples

Store samples at room temperature

Prevents DNA damage

Preserves and stabilizes DNA

Long-term storage

Safe sample handling

Sample application is fast and easy

Blood samples can be collected in a Pasteur pipet and applied to FTA cards. After drying, the card can be placed inside a multi-barrier pouch with a desiccant pack for secure storage.

Buccal samples can be collected by swabbing the inside of the mouth with the EasiCollect buccal cell collection device. EasiCollect has a unique foam surface for collecting a maximum number of buccal cells for application to the built in FTA card. After sample application and drying, the card can be inserted inside a multi-barrier pouch with a desiccant pack for secure storage.

Products for Post-mortem Collection of Blood and Buccal Cell Samples

FTA Classic Cards, EasiCollect Buccal Cell collection device and Multi-barrier pouches and desiccant are used for taking post-mortem samples for future DNA analysis.

FTA Cards and Accessories

FTA Classic Cards

♦ Four one inch circles for applying blood samples
♦ Can apply 500 μl to 1 ml of blood

EasiCollect

♦ Buccal cell collection device
♦ Unique foam surface for collection a maximum number of cells
♦ Designed for the efficient transfer of cells to built in FTA card
♦ Easy sample collection and application to FTA

Multi-barrier Pouches and Desiccant

♦ Seven layer moisture proof pouches for storing FTA cards
at room temperature

♦ Indicating desiccant packets ensure that FTA Cards remain dry during transport or storage. Change from blue to pink to indicate absorption of moisture