Analysis of the Advantages and Disadvantages of Biological Sample Collection Cards

As a commonly used tool for biological sample collection, biological sample collection cards have many advantages, but they also have some drawbacks.

Among the advantages, first is the simplicity of operation. The use of biological sample collection cards does not require complex instruments and equipment. Ordinary people can master the operation method after simple training. For example, for an oral swab collection card, simply wiping the swab gently in the mouth can complete the sample collection, greatly reducing the difficulty and cost of sample collection. Second, the sample stability is good. Collection cards usually contain special preservation media, which can maintain the activity and integrity of biomolecules in the sample for a certain period, facilitating subsequent detection and analysis. In addition, collection cards are convenient for transportation and storage, with relatively low requirements for storage conditions. Some collection cards can be stored and transported at room temperature, reducing the need for cold – chain transportation and improving the accessibility of sample collection.

However, biological sample collection cards also have some disadvantages. Limited sample volume is one of the main problems. The size and capacity of the collection card limit the amount of biological sample that can be collected, which may not meet the needs of some testing projects that require a large amount of samples. Limited detection sensitivity is also a shortcoming. During the sample collection and preservation process, it may lead to the loss of some biomarkers or a decrease in their activity, affecting the accuracy of the test results. In addition, there is a risk of cross – contamination. If the operation is improper, such as the collection card being contaminated or different samples coming into contact with each other, it may lead to deviations in the test results.

Biological sample collection cards have advantages such as simple operation, stable samples, and convenient transportation, but they also have disadvantages such as limited sample volume, limited detection sensitivity, and the risk of cross – contamination. In practical applications, it is necessary to give full play to their advantages and take corresponding measures to overcome their shortcomings.