The following takes common blood collection cards and oral mucosal collection cards as examples for illustration:

The usage methods and precautions of biological sample collection cards may vary depending on the type of collection card and the sample being collected. The following takes common blood collection cards and oral mucosal collection cards as examples for illustration:

Blood Collection Card

• Usage Method
  • Preparation Work: Wear disposable gloves, prepare tools such as alcohol cotton balls and blood collection needles, and confirm the expiration date and integrity of the collection card.
  • Blood Sampling: Disinfect the blood sampling site (such as the fingertip) with an alcohol cotton ball. After the alcohol evaporates, pierce the skin with a blood collection needle and gently squeeze to make the blood flow out.
  • Sample Collection: Contact the blood sampling area of the blood collection card with the blood, and let the blood naturally penetrate into the absorption layer of the collection card. Usually, an adequate amount of blood needs to be collected to ensure the detection requirements. Generally, the designated area on the collection card should be completely soaked with blood.
  • Drying and Preservation: Place the collection card in a cool and dry place to air dry naturally, avoiding direct sunlight and high temperatures. After it is completely dry, it can be put into a sealed bag or a special preservation bag and preserved or sent for inspection according to the required conditions.
• Precautions
  • Blood Sampling Safety: Strictly follow the principle of aseptic operation during the blood sampling process to prevent infection. The blood collection needle is a disposable item and should be properly disposed of after use to avoid stabbing others.
  • Blood Quality: Avoid excessive squeezing of the finger during blood sampling to prevent tissue fluid from mixing into the blood and affecting the test results. If the person being sampled is taking certain medications or has special physiological conditions that may affect the test results, relevant personnel should be informed in advance.
  • Preservation Conditions: Different blood collection cards have different requirements for preservation conditions. Generally, they need to be preserved at room temperature or a specific temperature. Pay attention to moisture-proof and anti-pollution, and strictly follow the instructions.

Oral Mucosal Collection Card

• Usage Method
  • Preparation Stage: Within 30 minutes before collection, the person being sampled should avoid eating, drinking, smoking, etc., and keep the mouth clean. Prepare an oral mucosal collection card, a disposable sampling swab, etc.
  • Sample Collection: Take out the sampling swab and put the swab head into the oral cavity. Gently wipe the inner side of the cheek or near the gums. Wipe repeatedly several times to make the swab head fully contact the oral mucosal cells and obtain an adequate sample.
  • Transfer the Sample: Repeatedly smear and squeeze the swab head with the collected oral mucosal cells in the designated area of the collection card to transfer the cells to the collection card.
  • Subsequent Processing: Similar to the blood collection card, let the collection card air dry naturally, put it into a sealed bag, etc. for proper preservation, and send it for inspection as required.
• Precautions
  • Collection Specification: Ensure that the swab head is in full contact with the oral mucosa during sampling, but the movement should be gentle to avoid damaging the oral mucosa.
  • Prevent Contamination: Avoid the swab head contacting other objects during the collection process to prevent the sample from being contaminated. The collection card should be kept away from substances such as dust and hair that may contaminate the sample.
  • Individual Differences: The shedding of oral mucosal cells may vary among different people. In cases where it is difficult to obtain an adequate sample, the number of wiping times can be appropriately increased or the sampling site can be changed.

In addition, no matter which type of biological sample collection card is used, it is necessary to carefully read the product instructions before collection and strictly follow the operation specifications for collection. At the same time, accurately record the collection time, the collector’s information, the information of the person being sampled, etc. to ensure the traceability of the sample and the accuracy of the test results.