The following are the advantages, disadvantages, and limitations of biological sample collection cards:

Advantages

• Simple Operation
  The use of biological sample collection cards generally does not require complex instruments or professional skills. The collection process is easy to perform. For example, for an oral swab collection card, one only needs to gently wipe the swab inside the mouth a few times to complete the sample collection. Ordinary people can master the operation method after simple training.
• Sample Stability
  Collection cards usually contain special preservation media or processing techniques, enabling the collected biological samples to remain stable under certain time and conditions. This prevents the degradation or spoilage of biological components in the samples, which is beneficial for subsequent detection and analysis. For instance, some blood collection cards can preserve blood samples at room temperature for several days or even weeks without affecting the detection of components such as DNA.
• Convenient Transportation and Storage
  Collection cards are small in size and light in weight, making them easy to carry and transport. They also have relatively low requirements for storage conditions. Some collection cards can be stored and transported at room temperature without the need for cold – chain equipment. This reduces the cost and difficulty of sample transportation and storage, and improves the accessibility of sample collection and testing.
• Suitable for Multiple Sample Types
  Biological sample collection cards can be applied to the collection of various biological samples, including blood, saliva, urine, feces, hair, and tissue, meeting the needs of different testing projects and research purposes. For example, in disease diagnosis, an appropriate sample collection card can be selected according to the specific testing item. To detect Helicobacter pylori infection, a fecal collection card can be used.
• High – throughput Detection Feasibility
  The design of collection cards is usually convenient for batch processing and automated operation. They can be combined with high – throughput detection technologies to improve detection efficiency, making them suitable for large – scale disease screening, epidemiological investigations, and other tasks. For example, in large – scale nucleic acid testing for COVID – 19, pharyngeal swab collection cards, combined with automated nucleic acid extraction and detection equipment, can quickly complete the testing of a large number of samples.

Disadvantages

• Limited Sample Volume
  The size and capacity of collection cards are limited. The amount of biological samples that can be collected and preserved is usually small, which may not meet the requirements of some tests or research that demand a large amount of samples. For example, some projects that require multiple tests or in – depth analysis may not be completed due to insufficient sample volume on the collection card.
• Limited Detection Sensitivity
  Although collection cards can preserve samples, during the processes of sample collection, preservation, and processing, some biomarkers may be lost or their activity may be reduced, affecting the sensitivity and accuracy of detection. For some biomarkers with low content or those whose activity is easily affected, they may not be accurately detected, resulting in false – negative results.
• Risk of Cross – contamination
  During the sample collection and processing, if the operation is not standardized, such as the collection card being contaminated or different samples coming into contact with each other, cross – contamination may occur, affecting the reliability of the test results and leading to incorrect diagnoses or research conclusions.

Limitations

• Limited Detection Items
  Different types of collection cards have their specific application scopes and detection items. Not all biological tests can use collection cards for sample collection. Some complex tests that require fresh samples or special handling, such as certain cell function tests and real – time biochemical analyses, may not be suitable for collection cards.
• Dependence on Subsequent Detection Technologies
  Collection cards only complete the sample collection and preliminary preservation. The accuracy and reliability of their test results also depend on subsequent detection technologies and equipment. Even if the performance of the collection card is excellent, accurate test results cannot be obtained if the subsequent detection technology is imperfect or the equipment is inaccurate.
• Difficulty in Quality Control
  The quality of collection cards is affected by various factors, such as production processes, raw material quality, and storage conditions. There may be quality differences among different batches of collection cards, and quality control is relatively difficult. This may have an impact on the consistency and comparability of test results.