How to collect DNA samples

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Content

Steps
Method 1 of 3: Oral Cells / Saliva
Method 2 of 3: Hair
Method 3 of 3: Nails
Tips
What do you need

There are several different ways to collect DNA samples, most of which are more or less non-invasive and painless. In the United States, for example, parents are advised not only to take fingerprints from their children, but also to collect DNA samples from them, and then submit everything to the authorities. Depending on where the sample was taken from, it can be stored for 5 to 35 years (assuming proper storage, of course). On sale there are kits for collecting DNA samples, which are extremely easy to use (in Russia, this is also available, although everything is significantly already widespread). Actually, for DNA extraction, saliva, hair and nails are collected, that is, everything that can be collected using ordinary objects that are in any home.

Steps

Method 1 of 3: Oral Cells / Saliva

1 Do not eat or drink anything (except water), and do not smoke for at least an hour before collecting DNA samples.
2 Put on rubber gloves.
3 Rinse your mouth with warm water.
4 Remove the sterile cotton swabs from the packaging, but do not touch the cotton tip.
5 Run the stick along the inside of your cheek, under your tongue, and behind your lips.
6 Set the stick aside, but so that the cotton end does not touch anything. Leave the stick to dry in this position for at least an hour.
7 Cut the wand to fit in a sterile container.
8 Please refer to the instructions for packaging and shipping the resulting DNA sample.

Method 2 of 3: Hair

1 Put on rubber gloves.
2 Draw out 10-20 hairs, at the end of which the follicles will remain.
3 Do not use a comb or hair from clothing.
4 Don't touch the follicles.
5 Place your hair in an envelope or bag (do not lick the envelope).
6 Please refer to the instructions for packaging and shipping the resulting DNA sample.

Method 3 of 3: Nails

1 Wash hands thoroughly with soap and water before taking nail samples.
2 Put on rubber gloves. Try not to touch other DNA source tissues with your hands. For example, if you are testing yourself, then try not to touch your saliva with your fingers.
3 Take a brand new nail scissors, or sterilize the old ones thoroughly in boiling water (5 minutes is enough).
4 Cut the nails from at least one hand, preferably both, as this will give scientists more material for DNA extraction.
5 Place your nails in a sterile container, such as a bag or envelope, in which they can be taken to the laboratory.
6 Please refer to the instructions for packaging and shipping the resulting DNA sample.

Tips

Your best bet is to buy a DNA collection kit, as it also contains instructions for tissue collection, packaging and shipping, as well as informed consent forms for the procedure. If DNA samples are collected from a minor or incapacitated person, then the informed consent form must be signed by a parent or guardian.
Tissues taken for DNA extraction, which must be dry, are best stored in paper, as the plastic will retain moisture and damage the samples. In other words, if you decide to store something in plastic, then let it dry well first!