Saliva DNA collection cards are convenient and quick tools for collecting saliva samples to obtain DNA. The following are their usage methods and precautions:

Usage Methods

1. Preparation Work
   • Wash your hands and dry them to avoid dirt and impurities on your hands from contaminating the collection card.
   • Ensure that the collection environment is clean, with minimal dust and debris.
   • Check the integrity and expiration date of the collection card to ensure that the collection card is not damaged or expired.
2. Saliva Collection
   • Avoid eating, drinking water, smoking, or chewing gum within 30 minutes before collection to ensure the purity of the saliva sample.
   • Let saliva secrete naturally. Try not to deliberately stimulate the oral mucosa or scrape the inner wall of the mouth with your tongue. Let the saliva flow into the mouth naturally, and then collect the saliva using a straw or pipette. Generally, collecting 2 to 3 milliliters of saliva is sufficient to meet the testing requirements.
3. Sample Transfer
   • Slowly drop the collected saliva onto the designated area of the collection card, ensuring that the saliva evenly penetrates into the fibers of the collection card. Usually, there will be obvious markings or indicated areas on the collection card, and the operation should be carried out according to the requirements.
   • If multiple samples need to be collected, pay attention to clearly marking the relevant information of each sample on the collection card, such as the collection time, the name of the collector, etc., to avoid confusion.
4. Drying and Storage
   • Let the collection card dry naturally, avoiding direct sunlight and high-temperature environments. Generally, it can be completely dried at room temperature within 1 to 2 hours. The specific drying time can be determined according to the instructions of the collection card and the actual situation.
   • After drying, the collection card should be placed in the supporting sealed bag or storage container and sealed well to prevent moisture and contamination.
5. Submission for Testing or Storage
   • If the sample needs to be submitted for testing, it should be packaged and mailed according to the requirements of the testing institution. A special sample transportation box is generally required, and it is necessary to ensure that the collection card is not damaged or contaminated during transportation.
   • If the sample is not to be submitted for testing temporarily, the collection card can be stored in a cool, dry, and well-ventilated place, and avoid contact with chemical substances. According to the instructions of the collection card, it can generally be stored for several months to several years.

Precautions

• Precautions During the Collection Process
  • When collecting saliva, avoid mixing in impurities such as blood and food residues, as this may affect the extraction and testing results of DNA. If there are wounds or bleeding in the mouth, the collection should be carried out after the wound has healed.
  • Do not collect saliva immediately after cleaning the mouth with mouthwash containing alcohol or other chemical substances, as it may affect the DNA components in the saliva.
• Precautions for Using the Collection Card
  • Do not touch the sampling area of the collection card to avoid contaminating the sample with the DNA on your hands.
  • The collection card should be used and stored within the specified temperature and humidity range. Excessively high or low temperature and humidity may affect the performance of the collection card and the stability of DNA.
  • Different brands and models of collection cards may have slightly different usage methods and requirements, and the operation should be carried out strictly in accordance with the product instructions.
• Precautions for Sample Storage and Transportation
  • During storage and transportation, prevent the collection card from being squeezed, folded, or damaged to avoid destroying the sample.
  • If the sample needs to be stored for a long time, it is recommended to regularly check the storage status of the collection card. If there are abnormal situations such as moisture absorption and discoloration, the sample should be collected again in a timely manner.
  • When mailing the sample, a reliable courier service should be selected, and the mailing information should be filled in according to the relevant regulations and the requirements of the testing institution to ensure that the sample can be safely and accurately delivered to the testing institution.