DNA collection tools
Contents
Background
2
Evidence collection
4
Buccal swab
9
Why preservation of DNA evidence at crime scenes
is important, and what forensiX products offer to
help ensure the integrity of collected samples.
The collection of DNA at crime scenes is one of the
first and most important steps in a process that
can lead to a connection between the crime scene
and a suspect.
DNA profiles collected at crime scenes must be
compared to reference samples from suspects. For
the collection of reference samples, we have both
cardboard kits and buccal swabs in tubes.
Sexual assault care
11
Paternity kit
16
Custom products
17
Additional items
19
Sexual assault care kits are used to gather and
preserve medical and biological evidence for
eventual DNA analysis. Following a sexual assault,
it is important to collect all possible evidence to
help to identify the assailant.
The Paternity Box, when used according to
strict chain of custody and any other applicable
requirements, may generate legally admissible
results for child support, inheritance, social welfare
benefits, immigration, or adoption purposes.
We are continually seeking to exceed our
customers’ expectations: we are happy to work with
you to create custom products to help solve your
problems and meet your needs.
Training DVDs, swabs, and other materials.
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1
Background
DNA preservation
From the time biological samples are collected until they are
analyzed at the laboratory, they are vulnerable to degradation.
Biological factors such as bacteria, fungi, and enzymes, as well as
environmental factors like sunlight, heat, and humidity, can increase
the rate of DNA degradation.
To minimize the degradation of the sample, it is common to either
dry or freeze the sample to ensure the highest sample quantity and
quality will arrive at the laboratory.
Depending upon the forensiX product, we have incorporated
different methods to rapidly dry the sample to help achieve the
best possible sample quality in the lab.
SafeDry products actively dry
the sample with a desiccant in an
insert placed in the housing tube.
In this manner, the sample dries
independently of the humidity of the
surrounding environment.
90
80
Remaining water (%)
BasicDry and cardboard box
products dry the sample passively,
as the humidity is transferred to the
surrounding environment through
the cardboard walls.
100
70
60
50
40
30
20
In the drying curves at right, we can
also see the buffering effect of the
wood stick. The wood absorbs some
of the water and releases it slowly,
whereas the plastic stick does not
absorb any humidity.
2
Life Technologies™ | DNA collection tools
10
0
0
200
400
600
800
1000
1200
Time (min)
SafeDry (with wood stick)
SafeDry (with plastic stick)
Figure 1. Drying performance at 24°C and 50% relative humidity.
Competitor
BasicDry Tube
1400
Free of DNA contaminants
DNA detection methods are becoming ever more sensitive and are therefore
increasingly prone to DNA contaminations.
To date, ethylene oxide (EO) treatment is the only way to help ensure that any
contaminant DNA present is cut in such short fragments that no DNA profile
can be obtained.
1
All forensiX products are EO-treated to destroy DNA that might be present.
UV
Gamma
Full profile
100%
40%
30%
Partial profile
(loadable)
Partial profile
(unloadable)
No profile
30%
Ethylene oxide
Electron beam
3%
13%
27%
70%
87%
UV
Gamma Electron beam
Ethylene oxide
Figure 2. This graph shows the four sterilisation techniques (UV, gamma, electron beam, and
ethylene oxide treatment) that were examined for their potential to degrade contaminating DNA.
In the ethylene oxide group, there were no profiles of sufficient quality for loading onto the United
Kingdom National DNA Database. Loadable profiles contain a minimum of complete designations at
four specified loci.
1. Kirsty Shaw et al. Comparison of the effects of sterilisation techniques on subsequent DNA profiling,
Int. J. Legal Med., Jan 2008, Vol 122, pp 29–33.
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3
Evidence collection
Rapid drying performance for
best sample quality.
1
2
SafeDry
Evidence Collection Tube
3
This self-drying tube offers easy handling with excellent drying performance.
As soon as the sample is in the tube, it is protected and preserved,
independent of the environment. The sample is dried rapidly regardless of
the external climatic conditions, to help ensure a high sample quality. All
parts are designed to be DNA-free. No contamination and optimum sample
quality contribute significantly to higher-quality DNA profiles.
2
Ordering information
4
Product
Cat. No.
Evidence Collection Tube long (German)
9022010
Evidence Collection Tube short (German)
9022015
Evidence Collection Tube long (English)
9022030
Evidence Collection Tube short (English)
9022035
Life Technologies™ | DNA collection tools
Research has shown that up to 8 times
more DNA is obtained when a saliva
sample is dried within 3 hours than over
24 hours.
2. Garvin AM, Holzinger R, Berner F, et al. (2013) The forensiX evidence
collection tube and its impact on DNA preservation and recovery. Biomed
Res Int , vol. 2013:105797.
SafeDry
Evidence Collection Kit
SafeDry Evidence Collection
Kit helps to further minimize
contamination risk.
1
2
The SafeDry Evidence Collection Kit contains forensiX SafeDry tubes and
ampoules of sterile water in one package. Everything that is needed for
evidence collection is combined to help reduce the risk of contamination.
Ordering information
Product
Cat. No.
Evidence Collection Kit 1x (German)
9023010
Evidence Collection Kit 5x (German)
9023110
Evidence Collection Kit (short) 1x (German)
9023015
Evidence Collection Kit (short) 5x (German)
9023115
Evidence Collection Kit (short) 5x (English)
9023135
3
4
Sterile Water Ampoules
The sterile water ampoules in our evidence collection
kits have a volume of 350 µL. The small opening
allows the water to be dispensed in small amounts.
Using 1 ampoule per swab helps reduce the risk
of contamination.
Ordering information
Product
Cat. No.
Sterile Water Ampoule
P90001
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5
SafeDry
Finger Nail Dirt Tube
The pointed tip is ideal
for sampling DNA from
underneath fingernails.
1
2
The SafeDry Finger Nail Dirt Tube has a tapered swab specially designed to
collect biological samples from under fingernails.
The kit includes 2 self-drying tubes with tapered swabs, 2 separate labels, 2
forensiX seals, and 1 ampoule of sterile water, all in a foil bag.
Ordering information
Product
Cat. No.
Finger Nail Dirt Tube (German, English)
9022210
Tapered swab
6
Life Technologies™ | DNA collection tools
3
Cardboard
BasicDry Evidence Collection Tube
Established cardboard in a
new form.
The BasicDry Evidence Collection Tube uses traditional cardboard to form
a housing to help protect the swab from contamination and allow drying
of the sample. The new form combines easy handling with the solid drying
performance of cardboard at an economical price. The final product is
EO-treated to help ensure it is free of DNA contamination.
Ordering information
Product
Cat. No.
BasicDry Evidence Collection Tube (cardboard)
9014000
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7
Cardboard
Evidence Collection Kit
An economical solution for the
collection of DNA samples—
treated to be DNA-free and
good drying performance.
1
2
All swabs in the Evidence Collection Kit (cardboard) are EO-treated to
prevent DNA contamination. The cardboard box allows drying of the
sample—no refrigeration or rapid transport is required, and the box offers
protection against contamination. Use of the supplied seals assists with
chain of custody.
3
The Evidence Collection Kit includes 5 cardboard boxes, 10 EO-treated cotton
swabs, 5 ampoules with sterile water, and 15 red seals.
Ordering information
Product
Cat. No.
Evidence Collection Kit (cardboard) (German, Italian, French)
9021040
Evidence Collection Kit (cardboard) (English)
9021030
4
5
8
Life Technologies™ | DNA collection tools
Buccal swab
SafeDry
Buccal Swab Tube
Minimizes DNA degradation
after long-term storage.
1
2
The easy-to-use Buccal Swab Tube enables high-quality samples, minimal
DNA degradation, and reduced transportation costs due to the very fast
drying of the sample. All parts are designed to be DNA-free, and long-term
storage of the sample is possible without degradation of the DNA.
3
Each Buccal Swab Tube is individually packed in a foil bag.
Ordering information
Product
Cat. No.
Buccal Swab Tube (German)
9012010
Buccal Swab Tube (English)
9021030
Barcoded label on cap and tube helps
prevent mixing of samples.
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9
Cardboard
Buccal Swab Collection Kit
A proven and economical
solution for DNA collection.
1
2
All swabs in the Buccal Swab Collection Kit (cardboard) are EO-treated
to be free of contaminant DNA. The cardboard box allows drying of the
sample. No refrigeration or rapid transport is required and the box offers
protection against contamination. Use of the supplied seals assists with
chain of custody.
3
The Buccal Swab Collection Kit includes 1 cardboard box, 2 EO-treated
cotton swabs, 1 disposable glove, and 3 red seals.
Ordering information
4
Product
Cat. No.
Buccal Swab Collection Kit (cardboard)
(German, Italian, French)
Buccal Swab Collection Kit (cardboard) (English, Spanish)
9011040
Buccal Swab Collection Kit (cardboard) (Slovenian)
9011070
9011030
5
10 Life Technologies™ | DNA collection tools
Sexual assault care
SafeDry
Sexual Assault Care Kit “Hessen”
Developed together with
the State Criminal Office of
Hesse and the Frauennotruf
Frankfurt.
The Sexual Assault Care Kit “Hessen” has been developed by a German
emergency call / helpline for women (Frankfurter Beratungsstelle
Frauennotruf, Dr. med. Hildegard Grass and Dr. med. Ulrike Berg) together
with the criminal office (Landeskriminalamt, Dr. Harald Schneider) of the
German state of Hesse.
The Hessen kit contains self-drying evidence collection tubes for optimal,
contamination-free collection of biological evidence. The Sexual Assault Care
Kit Hessen is mandated for use in the German state of Hesse.
The Sexual Assault Care Kit “Hessen” includes 16 forensiX tubes, 16
forensiX seals, 1 paper underlay, 1 felt pen, 9 paper bags in different sizes, 1
cardboard box, 5 glassine bags for fingernails, and documentation.
Ordering information
Product
Cat. No.
Sexual Assault Care Kit “Hessen” (German)
9032010
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Cardboard
Sexual Assault Care Kit Complete
A comprehensive kit for
collecting evidence following
a sexual assault.
The Sexual Assault Care Kit Complete is a comprehensive sample and data
collection kit. The step-by-step protocol in the kit guides the medical practitioner
through the process of collecting evidence following a sexual assault. All swabs
are EO-treated to help prevent any interference from residual DNA.
The Sexual Assault Care Kit Complete includes 24 EO-treated swabs,
17 cardboard boxes, 58 seals, 5 ampoules with sterile water, 1 paper underlay,
9 folded paper sheets, 1 ruler, 2 combs, 1 bag for urine and blood samples,
toluidine blue and acetic acid spray flask, bags, and documentation.
Ordering information
Product
Cat. No.
Sexual Assault Care Kit Complete (German, French)
9031110
Sexual Assault Care Kit Complete (English)
9031130
Kit contents
12 Life Technologies™ | DNA collection tools
Cardboard
Sexual Assault Care Kit Mini
A smaller version of the Sexual
Assault Care Kit Complete.
The Sexual Assault Care Kit Mini is a smaller version of the Sexual Assault
Care Kit Complete.
The Sexual Assault Care Kit Mini includes 20 EO-treated swabs, 10 cardboard boxes, 33 seals, 3 ampoules with sterile water, 2 folded paper sheets,
1 ruler, 1 urine bottle, toluidine blue and acetic acid spray flask, bags, and
documentation.
Ordering information
Product
Cat. No.
Sexual Assault Care Kit Mini (German, French)
9031210
Sexual Assault Care Kit Mini (English)
9021030
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Cardboard
Sexual Assault Care Kit Children
The plush toy can help soothe
the child, but also helps the
medical practitioner explain
the examination.
This Sexual Assault Care Kit Children is a specially designed and equipped
kit for use in cases involving children who have been sexually assaulted.
The Sexual Assault Care Kit Children includes 8 EO-treated swabs, 4 cardboard boxes, 12 seals, 2 ampoules with sterile water, 1 folded paper sheet,
1 ruler, toluidine blue and acetic acid spray flask, 2 paper bags, 1 plush toy,
and documentation.
Ordering information
Product
Cat. No.
Sexual Assault Care Kit Children (German, French)
9031310
Sexual Assault Care Kit Children (English)
9031330
14 Life Technologies™ | DNA collection tools
Cardboard
Sexual Assault Care Kit Man
For male suspects and male
victims of sexual assault.
The Sexual Assault Care Kit Man is specially designed to gather and preserve
medical and biological evidence for DNA analysis from male suspects or
male victims of sexual assault.
The Sexual Assault Care Kit Man includes 8 EO-treated swabs, 4 cardboard
boxes, 15 seals, 3 ampoules with sterile water, 1 folded paper sheet, 1 ruler,
2 paper bags, and documentation.
Ordering information
Product
Cat. No.
Sexual Assault Care Kit Man (German, French)
9031410
Sexual Assault Care Kit Man (English)
9031430
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Paternity kit
Helps save costs—the
Paternity Box does not need
refrigeration and can be sent
via postal carrier.
1
SafeDry
Paternity Box (Tube)
2
3
4
The Paternity Box (Tube) is specially designed for the determination of
family lineage.
The Paternity Box (Tube) includes 6 forensiX self-drying tubes, seals,
and gloves.
2x 2x 2x
5
Ordering information
Product
Cat. No.
Paternity Box (Tube) (German, English)
9021040
6
The DNA parentage test that follows
a strict chain of custody can generate
legally admissible results that are
used for child support, inheritance,
social welfare benefits, immigration, or
adoption purposes.
16 Life Technologies™ | DNA collection tools
Custom materials
Let us create the kit you need
If sufficient demand exists, we are able to produce custom forensiX kits for
our customers. We have different swabs, labels, and accessories that we can
combine to tailor the product you need.
Swabs
Nylon-flocked Cotton swab
swab
(short)
With our ability to produce
custom kits, we can create the
product you need.
Foam swab
(GenoTube)
Tubes
Cotton swab
(long)
Cotton Swab
(pointed)
Nylon-flocked
swab (long)
Tube with
SafeDry
(short)
Tube with
SafeDry (long)
BasicDry tube
Life Technologies™ | lifetechnologies.com/samplecollection 17
Examples of custom kits
The French Evidence Collection Kit uses the short tube with the SafeDry insert and a nylonflocked swab. The kit also includes a printed envelope, a water ampoule, and a seal.
We have also developed different sexual assault care kits similar to the Hessen kit, albeit with
different accessories.
Hessen kit
French Evidence Collection Kit
18 Life Technologies™ | DNA collection tools
Additional items
DVDs
We offer special training DVDs on DNA evidence collection and sexual assault care.
NT SC
A rrt.t .- N
Nr.:
r.: 9
9041031
041031
NT SC
A rt.- Nr.: 9041011
DNA Evidence—Recommendations for Collection, Packaging,
and Preservation
Detailed instructions make this DVD a valuable source of information about one of the most
important steps in the investigation of a crime.
Sexual Assault—The Health Care Response
Detailed instructions make this DVD a valuable source of information about the first step in the
investigation of one of the most serious and frequently committed crimes of our society.
Ordering information
Product
Cat. No.
DVD DNA Evidence PAL (German, French, English)
9041010
DVD DNA Evidence NTSC (German, French, English)
9041011
DVD Sexual Assault (police version) PAL (German, English)
9041020
DVD Sexual Assault (police version) NTSC (German, English)
9041021
DVD Sexual Assault (medical version) PAL (German, English)
9041030
DVD Sexual Assault (medical version) NTSC (German, English)
9041031
Life Technologies™ | lifetechnologies.com/samplecollection 19
Ethylene oxide (EO)–treated swabs
EO-treated cotton swabs packed individually or in pairs in a peel pack.
Ordering information
Product
Cat. No.
EO-treated Swab 2 pcs /peel pack
9035100
EO-treated Swab 1 pc /peel pack
9035200
Toluidine blue dye
One well-studied method of identifying microtrauma in the genital area of
sexual assault victims is the use of toluidine blue dye (TBD), a nuclear stain.
When placed on an area of skin where the epidermal layer (nonnucleated
cells) has been removed, the underlying cells will take up the dye. This
provides the forensic nurse the ability to see abrasion injury that the naked
eye, and sometimes even magnified examination, may fail to identify.
Ordering information
Product
Cat. No.
Toluidine Blue Dye (German)
9036010
Toluidine Blue Dye (English)
9036030
20 Life Technologies™ | DNA collection tools
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