This article explains how to optimize and streamline sample collection and processing for nucleic acid analysis, to ensure consistent and reliable results while minimizing sample collection, processing, and shipping costs.

Key things to consider are:

• Sample collection protocols
• Nucleic acid stabilization
• Sample transport
• Streamlined sample processing
• Sample tracking

Use Simple Saliva Sample Collection Protocols

Buccal swabs and saliva samples can be collected non-invasively, which encourages more people to participate in studies. This is especially important for large-scale population studies, where broad participation is crucial for the validity of the results.

Allowing donors to collect samples at home removes the need to travel to a clinic or laboratory, which is particularly beneficial for individuals with mobility issues, busy schedules, or living in remote areas. Collecting samples at home can significantly reduce costs associated with sample collection by eliminating the need for dedicated space and staff to handle sample collection in a clinical setting.

Isohelix sample collection kits include several features that simplify sample collection:

• All kits include clear instructions for use that can be followed by donors at home
• Isohelix GeneFix saliva collection kits have a unique funnel design that prevents spillages or buffer flow back.
• GeneFix™ collection tubes have clear, legible markings to indicate the correct volume of saliva to be collected
• Buccal Swabs are provided in easy-to-handle formats

Nucleic Acid Stabilization

Isohelix offers several options for nucleic acid stabilization that remove the need for a cold chain during sample shipment, significantly reducing the costs and logistical challenges associated with sample storage and transport.

Stabilization Reagents

Including collection tubes prefilled with a nucleic acid stabilization reagent is a simple method of immediately stabilizing samples at the point of collection, with minimal handling steps and cross-contamination risk.

For swabs and saliva collection, Isohelix collection tubes are pre-filled with BuccalFix or GeneFix stabilizing buffers that completely inhibit all enzymatic and microbial activity following sampling. As a result, DNA is fully stabilized, and the structure and integrity of the DNA are maintained. DNA can be stored in BuccalFix at room temperature for over 2 years and in GeneFix for up to 5 years.

Nucleic Acid Stabilization via sample desiccation

Alternatively, Isohelix Dri-Capsules are silica gel capsules that offer an easy-to-use alternative to chemical stabilization for the long-term stability of buccal DNA on a swab head before isolation. DNA stabilized using Dri-Capsules is stable for 3 years at ambient temperature. 

Streamline Sample Transport

If collection tubes and sample packaging are sufficiently robust, stabilized samples can be sent to the laboratory for processing using regular mail, a straightforward and cost-effective method of sample transport.

There are a range of products available from Isohelix to simplify shipping:

• Isohelix collection tubes comply with UN3373 on leak-proof sample transport that specify that collection tubes must withstand defined physical pressures of 95KPA. 
• Mailing boxes are suitable for GeneFix Saliva collectors and have space to fit a transport pack underneath. They are designed to fit through most letterboxes and are certified to UN3373. They include a security sealing strip.
• Transport packs are suitable for saliva and swab samples and include an absorbent pad to contain leakages, a separate document pocket, and are tested to resist 95kPa.
• Saliva transport packs are specifically designed for saliva samples, featuring a slimmer profile for easier postage

Medium and High-Throughput Sample Processing

Isohelix also offers magnetic bead-based nucleic extraction kits, Buccal-Mag, and Saliva-Mag. These kits can be used manually or with most openly programmable automated DNA isolation and liquid handling systems fitted with magnetic racks and heat blocks.

Alternatively, for saliva collection, Isohelix has adapted the Saliva-Prep2 kit for use with 1.2ml or 2.0ml 96 – Deep Well Plates. This gives a manual method for isolating 96 samples per plate, requiring only low-cost, widely available benchtop laboratory equipment.

Sample Tracking

Easy and accurate sample tracking is a key component of sample collection and isolation. All GeneFix Saliva Collection tubes include a unique 10-digit, alphanumeric 1D barcode on the side of the tube which allows for full traceability of the sample from production to distribution and testing. Tubes can be specified with a 2D barcode on the base of the tube that corresponds with the 1D barcode on the side. Having a 2D barcode available on the base of the tube allows automation systems to scan the barcodes while in racking to maintain traceability when using high-throughput methods. Barcodes printed in triplicate on cryogenic labels are also available for attaching to tubes or paper. All barcodes are scannable on common readers, including those widely available on mobile phones, so that even patients at home can scan their devices to provide additional traceability.

Summary

By implementing simple standardized collection methods, and optimizing processing and shipping, the integrity and reliability of saliva and buccal swab samples can be preserved, ensuring the best possible nucleic acid analysis results whilst minimizing time and cost.

To find out more about how Isohelix products simplify sample collection, CLICK HERE