The DNAMIC™ swab system reduces the number of handling and labelling steps during the collection, packaging and storage of forensic samples compared to standard crime scene swabs. As such, sample integrity is maintained and the chance of sample loss, contamination from extraneous or operator DNA, cross-contamination or deleterious change is significantly reduced.
Traditional Sample Collection
Traditional sample collection process.
DNAMIC Swab Sample Collection
The DNAMIC Swab sample collection process.
Optimal sample preservation requires proper drying and packaging; and proper storage, avoiding sunlight, excessive heat, and moisture. Furthermore DNA and RNA molecules are easily damaged with exposure to freeze thaw cycles (Davis et al. 2000). The innovative nanofibre mesh incorporated into the sample tube lid allows samples to air dry while being impermeable to extraneous DNA.
Breathable containers are a preferred method to package swabs because they prevent condensation. Condensation must be avoided because it encourages mold and bacterial growth that can degrade DNA samples. It is also well-known that water can damage DNA through hydrolysis (Bonnet et al. 2010).
Maintaining refrigerators and freezers for long term storage of DNA samples is expensive, requires considerable space and generates a lot of heat. The DNAMIC™ swab system offers an efficient and viable solution by allowing for ambient temperature storage in addition to frozen storage of DNA samples.
The DNAMIC™ swab system is an all-in-one effective and efficient evidence collection tool. Moreover, by sampling an item in-situ at a crime scene we eliminate the potential for relocation of DNA on the exhibit when the item is packaged and transported to the laboratory. DNA transfer can be particularly problematic when initial DNA material only exists in small quantities, and may prove detrimental to the success of DNA analysis. Furthermore, transfer of DNA containing material from the deposit site to a different area of the same exhibit can alter the interpretation of the results (Goray et. al. 2012).