Comparison of DNA Collection and Retrieval from Two Swab Types (Cotton and Nylon Flocked Swab) when Processed Using Three QIAGEN Extraction Methods

• NCJ Number: 240282
• Journal: Journal of Forensic Sciences Volume: 57 Issue: 3 Dated: May 2012 Pages: 713-717
• Author(s): Robert J. Brownlow, Ph.D.; Kathryn E. Dagnell, M.Sc.; Carole E. Ames, Ph.D.
• Date Published: May 2012
• Length: 5 pages
• Publication Format: Article
• Publication Type: Research (Applied/Empirical)
• Language: English
• Country: United States of America

Annotation

This study examined the DNA retrieval capability of cotton and nylon flocked swabs when extracted using three common extraction platforms (QIAcube, BioRobot EZ1 and manually processed QIAamp DNA investigator kit).

Abstract

The Metropolitan Police Service currently uses cotton swabs to retrieve DNA for forensic profiling. Recently, a new nylon flocked swab type has become available from Copan (MicroRheologics, Brescia, Italy) that it is claimed, offers increased sample recovery and release yields. If true, the flocked swab may have important applications in DNA evidence retrieval. This study examines the DNA retrieval capability of cotton and nylon flocked swabs when extracted using three common extraction platforms (QIAcube, BioRobot EZ1 and manually processed QIAamp DNA investigator kit). Results indicate that both swab types are capable of recovering high percentages of DNA (greater than 50 percent); however, the extraction platform selected was shown to have a significant effect upon DNA retrieval. Across all experiments, the cotton swab combined with the spin-column extractions was shown to be most effective, with the nylon swab and BioRobot EZ1 combination being the least effective. These findings illustrate the importance of extraction method selection. Abstract published by arrangement with John Wiley & Sons.