Using a sample collection kit to collect tissue samples requires following a series of strict steps and precautions.

Preparation stage

• Select the appropriate sample collection kit
  • According to the type of tissue sample and subsequent testing requirements, select a suitable sample collection kit. For example, for some more fragile soft tissue samples, a collection tool with a soft brush or small spoon and a special preservation solution that can maintain cell activity may be selected.
• Understand the sample requirements and collection site
  • Clarify the type of tissue sample required for the research or detection purpose, such as tumor tissue, normal tissue, etc., and determine the collection site. Before that, doctors or professionals need to evaluate the patient’s condition and physical condition to ensure the safety and necessity of the collection operation.
• Prepare the collection environment
  • Ensure that the collection area is clean, tidy, and sterile. Ultraviolet lamps can be used to disinfect the collection room to reduce the amount of microorganisms in the air. At the same time, prepare disinfection supplies, such as alcohol cotton balls, iodophor, etc., for disinfection of the collection site and collection tools.

Collection stage

• Prepare for the patient or the source of the sample
  • If it is a human tissue sample collection, the collection process and precautions need to be fully explained to the patient to obtain their consent and cooperation. For animal tissue sample collection, it is necessary to ensure that the animal is in an appropriate anesthetized or fixed state to reduce its pain and struggle and ensure operation safety.
  • Apply an appropriate amount of disinfection solution on the skin around the collection site, such as wiping with an alcohol cotton ball, and wipe in the order from the center to the periphery. The disinfection range should be large enough to prevent microbial contamination of the tissue sample on the surface of the skin.
• Collect tissue samples
  • According to the location and characteristics of the tissue, choose the appropriate collection method. If it is a superficial tissue, such as a skin lesion tissue, a surgical blade can be used to gently scrape or a biopsy forceps can be used to clamp an appropriate amount of tissue. For deep tissue, puncture needles or surgical instruments may be needed. During the collection process, attention should be paid to operating gently to avoid excessive squeezing or damaging the tissue, so as not to affect the quality of the sample and the subsequent test results.
  • Quickly place the collected tissue sample into the preservation container in the sample collection kit. If the preservation solution needs to be pre-processed, such as adding specific reagents or adjusting the pH value, etc., the corresponding operation should be completed before the collection.

Post-collection processing stage

• Mark the sample
  • Clearly mark the relevant information of the patient or sample on the preservation container, including name, age, collection time, collection site, sample number, etc., to ensure the accuracy of the information for subsequent identification and tracking.
• Fix and preserve the sample
  • According to the instructions of the sample collection kit, seal the preservation container well to ensure full contact between the preservation solution and the tissue sample. Some tissue samples may need to be preserved at a specific temperature, such as 4°C or -80°C, and should be immediately placed in the corresponding low-temperature equipment to maintain the activity and integrity of the tissue.
• Clean up and organize
  • Clean and disinfect the collection tools to prevent cross-contamination. Dispose of used disposable items properly and classify and discard them according to medical waste or biosafety regulations. At the same time, organize other items in the sample collection kit for the next use.

Collecting tissue samples using a sample collection kit requires strictly following the operating procedures and aseptic principles to ensure the reliability of the collected samples and provide an accurate basis for subsequent pathological diagnosis, scientific research, etc. If there are any problems or uncertain situations during the collection process, professional doctors or researchers should be consulted in time.