DNA collection tools - Thermo Fisher Scientific Technologies | lifetechnologies.com/samplecollection 1 Background 2 Why preservation of DNA evidence at crime scenes is important, and

DNA collection tools

1Life Technologies™ | lifetechnologies.com/samplecollection

Background 2Why preservation of DNA evidence at crime scenes is important, and what forensiX products offer to help ensure the integrity of collected samples.

Evidence collection 4The collection of DNA at crime scenes is one of the first and most important steps in a process that can lead to a connection between the crime scene and a suspect.

Buccal swab 9DNA profiles collected at crime scenes must be compared to reference samples from suspects. For the collection of reference samples, we have both cardboard kits and buccal swabs in tubes.

Sexual assault care 11Sexual assault care kits are used to gather and preserve medical and biological evidence for eventual DNA analysis. Following a sexual assault, it is important to collect all possible evidence to help to identify the assailant.

Paternity kit 16The Paternity Box, when used according to strict chain of custody and any other applicable requirements, may generate legally admissible results for child support, inheritance, social welfare benefits, immigration, or adoption purposes.

Custom products 17We are continually seeking to exceed our customers’ expectations: we are happy to work with you to create custom products to help solve your problems and meet your needs.

Additional items 19Training DVDs, swabs, and other materials.

Contents

2 Life Technologies™ | DNA collection tools

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Background

DNA preservationFrom the time biological samples are collected until they are analyzed at the laboratory, they are vulnerable to degradation. Biological factors such as bacteria, fungi, and enzymes, as well as environmental factors like sunlight, heat, and humidity, can increase the rate of DNA degradation.

To minimize the degradation of the sample, it is common to either dry or freeze the sample to ensure the highest sample quantity and quality will arrive at the laboratory.

Depending upon the forensiX product, we have incorporated different methods to rapidly dry the sample to help achieve the best possible sample quality in the lab.

SafeDry products actively dry the sample with a desiccant in an insert placed in the housing tube. In this manner, the sample dries independently of the humidity of the surrounding environment.

BasicDry and cardboard box products dry the sample passively, as the humidity is transferred to the surrounding environment through the cardboard walls.

In the drying curves at right, we can also see the buffering effect of the wood stick. The wood absorbs some of the water and releases it slowly, whereas the plastic stick does not absorb any humidity. Figure 1. Drying performance at 24°C and 50% relative humidity.


Full profile

Partial profile (loadable)

Partial profile (unloadable)

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UV Gamma

Electron beam Ethylene oxide

Ethylene oxideElectron beamGammaUV

1. Kirsty Shaw et al. Comparison of the effects of sterilisation techniques on subsequent DNA profiling, Int. J. Legal Med., Jan 2008, Vol 122, pp 29–33.

Free of DNA contaminantsDNA detection methods are becoming ever more sensitive and are therefore increasingly prone to DNA contaminations.

To date, ethylene oxide (EO) treatment is the only way to help ensure that any contaminant DNA present is cut in such short fragments that no DNA profile can be obtained.1

All forensiX products are EO-treated to destroy DNA that might be present.

Figure 2. This graph shows the four sterilisation techniques (UV, gamma, electron beam, and ethylene oxide treatment) that were examined for their potential to degrade contaminating DNA. In the ethylene oxide group, there were no profiles of sufficient quality for loading onto the United Kingdom National DNA Database. Loadable profiles contain a minimum of complete designations at four specified loci.


Rapid drying performance for best sample quality.

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Evidence collection

SafeDry Evidence Collection TubeThis self-drying tube offers easy handling with excellent drying performance. As soon as the sample is in the tube, it is protected and preserved, independent of the environment. The sample is dried rapidly regardless of the external climatic conditions, to help ensure a high sample quality. All parts are designed to be DNA-free. No contamination and optimum sample quality contribute significantly to higher-quality DNA profiles.

Ordering information

Product Cat. No.

Evidence Collection Tube long (German) 9022010

Evidence Collection Tube short (German) 9022015

Evidence Collection Tube long (English) 9022030

Evidence Collection Tube short (English) 9022035

Research has shown that up to 8 times more DNA is obtained when a saliva sample is dried within 3 hours than over 24 hours.2

2. Garvin AM, Holzinger R, Berner F, et al. (2013) The forensiX evidence collection tube and its impact on DNA preservation and recovery. Biomed Res Int, vol. 2013:105797.


SafeDry Evidence Collection Kit

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SafeDry Evidence Collection Kit helps to further minimize contamination risk.

The SafeDry Evidence Collection Kit contains forensiX SafeDry tubes and ampoules of sterile water in one package. Everything that is needed for evidence collection is combined to help reduce the risk of contamination.


Product Cat. No.

Evidence Collection Kit 1x (German) 9023010

Evidence Collection Kit 5x (German) 9023110

Evidence Collection Kit (short) 1x (German) 9023015

Evidence Collection Kit (short) 5x (German) 9023115

Evidence Collection Kit (short) 5x (English) 9023135

Sterile Water Ampoules

The sterile water ampoules in our evidence collection kits have a volume of 350 µL. The small opening allows the water to be dispensed in small amounts. Using 1 ampoule per swab helps reduce the risk of contamination.


Product Cat. No.

Sterile Water Ampoule P90001


SafeDry Finger Nail Dirt Tube

The pointed tip is ideal for sampling DNA from underneath fingernails.

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The SafeDry Finger Nail Dirt Tube has a tapered swab specially designed to collect biological samples from under fingernails.

The kit includes 2 self-drying tubes with tapered swabs, 2 separate labels, 2 forensiX seals, and 1 ampoule of sterile water, all in a foil bag.


Product Cat. No.

Finger Nail Dirt Tube (German, English) 9022210

Tapered swab


Cardboard BasicDry Evidence Collection Tube

Established cardboard in a new form.

The BasicDry Evidence Collection Tube uses traditional cardboard to form a housing to help protect the swab from contamination and allow drying of the sample. The new form combines easy handling with the solid drying performance of cardboard at an economical price. The final product is EO-treated to help ensure it is free of DNA contamination.


Product Cat. No.

BasicDry Evidence Collection Tube (cardboard) 9014000


Cardboard Evidence Collection Kit

An economical solution for the collection of DNA samples— treated to be DNA-free and good drying performance.

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All swabs in the Evidence Collection Kit (cardboard) are EO-treated to prevent DNA contamination. The cardboard box allows drying of the sample—no refrigeration or rapid transport is required, and the box offers protection against contamination. Use of the supplied seals assists with chain of custody.

The Evidence Collection Kit includes 5 cardboard boxes, 10 EO-treated cotton swabs, 5 ampoules with sterile water, and 15 red seals.


Product Cat. No.

Evidence Collection Kit (cardboard) (German, Italian, French) 9021040

Evidence Collection Kit (cardboard) (English) 9021030


Buccal swab

SafeDry Buccal Swab Tube

Minimizes DNA degradation after long-term storage.

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Barcoded label on cap and tube helps prevent mixing of samples.

The easy-to-use Buccal Swab Tube enables high-quality samples, minimal DNA degradation, and reduced transportation costs due to the very fast drying of the sample. All parts are designed to be DNA-free, and long-term storage of the sample is possible without degradation of the DNA.

Each Buccal Swab Tube is individually packed in a foil bag.


Product Cat. No.

Buccal Swab Tube (German) 9012010

Buccal Swab Tube (English) 9021030


Cardboard Buccal Swab Collection Kit

A proven and economical solution for DNA collection.

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All swabs in the Buccal Swab Collection Kit (cardboard) are EO-treated to be free of contaminant DNA. The cardboard box allows drying of the sample. No refrigeration or rapid transport is required and the box offers protection against contamination. Use of the supplied seals assists with chain of custody.

The Buccal Swab Collection Kit includes 1 cardboard box, 2 EO-treated cotton swabs, 1 disposable glove, and 3 red seals.


Product Cat. No.

Buccal Swab Collection Kit (cardboard) (German, Italian, French)

9011040

Buccal Swab Collection Kit (cardboard) (English, Spanish) 9011030

Buccal Swab Collection Kit (cardboard) (Slovenian) 9011070


Sexual assault care

SafeDry Sexual Assault Care Kit “Hessen”

Developed together with the State Criminal Office of Hesse and the Frauennotruf Frankfurt.

The Sexual Assault Care Kit “Hessen” has been developed by a German emergency call / helpline for women (Frankfurter Beratungsstelle Frauennotruf, Dr. med. Hildegard Grass and Dr. med. Ulrike Berg) together with the criminal office (Landeskriminalamt, Dr. Harald Schneider) of the German state of Hesse.

The Hessen kit contains self-drying evidence collection tubes for optimal, contamination-free collection of biological evidence. The Sexual Assault Care Kit Hessen is mandated for use in the German state of Hesse.

The Sexual Assault Care Kit “Hessen” includes 16 forensiX tubes, 16 forensiX seals, 1 paper underlay, 1 felt pen, 9 paper bags in different sizes, 1 cardboard box, 5 glassine bags for fingernails, and documentation.


Product Cat. No.

Sexual Assault Care Kit “Hessen” (German) 9032010


Cardboard Sexual Assault Care Kit Complete

A comprehensive kit for collecting evidence following a sexual assault.

The Sexual Assault Care Kit Complete is a comprehensive sample and data collection kit. The step-by-step protocol in the kit guides the medical practitioner through the process of collecting evidence following a sexual assault. All swabs are EO-treated to help prevent any interference from residual DNA.

The Sexual Assault Care Kit Complete includes 24 EO-treated swabs, 17 cardboard boxes, 58 seals, 5 ampoules with sterile water, 1 paper underlay, 9 folded paper sheets, 1 ruler, 2 combs, 1 bag for urine and blood samples, toluidine blue and acetic acid spray flask, bags, and documentation.


Product Cat. No.

Sexual Assault Care Kit Complete (German, French) 9031110

Sexual Assault Care Kit Complete (English) 9031130

Kit contents


Cardboard Sexual Assault Care Kit Mini

A smaller version of the Sexual Assault Care Kit Complete.

The Sexual Assault Care Kit Mini is a smaller version of the Sexual Assault Care Kit Complete.

The Sexual Assault Care Kit Mini includes 20 EO-treated swabs, 10 card-board boxes, 33 seals, 3 ampoules with sterile water, 2 folded paper sheets, 1 ruler, 1 urine bottle, toluidine blue and acetic acid spray flask, bags, and documentation.


Product Cat. No.

Sexual Assault Care Kit Mini (German, French) 9031210

Sexual Assault Care Kit Mini (English) 9021030


Cardboard Sexual Assault Care Kit Children

The plush toy can help soothe the child, but also helps the medical practitioner explain the examination.

This Sexual Assault Care Kit Children is a specially designed and equipped kit for use in cases involving children who have been sexually assaulted.

The Sexual Assault Care Kit Children includes 8 EO-treated swabs, 4 card-board boxes, 12 seals, 2 ampoules with sterile water, 1 folded paper sheet, 1 ruler, toluidine blue and acetic acid spray flask, 2 paper bags, 1 plush toy, and documentation.


Product Cat. No.

Sexual Assault Care Kit Children (German, French) 9031310

Sexual Assault Care Kit Children (English) 9031330


Cardboard Sexual Assault Care Kit Man

For male suspects and male victims of sexual assault.

The Sexual Assault Care Kit Man is specially designed to gather and preserve medical and biological evidence for DNA analysis from male suspects or male victims of sexual assault.

The Sexual Assault Care Kit Man includes 8 EO-treated swabs, 4 cardboard boxes, 15 seals, 3 ampoules with sterile water, 1 folded paper sheet, 1 ruler, 2 paper bags, and documentation.


Product Cat. No.

Sexual Assault Care Kit Man (German, French) 9031410

Sexual Assault Care Kit Man (English) 9031430


Paternity kit

SafeDry Paternity Box (Tube)

Helps save costs—the Paternity Box does not need refrigeration and can be sent via postal carrier.

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The Paternity Box (Tube) is specially designed for the determination of family lineage.

The Paternity Box (Tube) includes 6 forensiX self-drying tubes, seals, and gloves.


Product Cat. No.

Paternity Box (Tube) (German, English) 9021040

The DNA parentage test that follows a strict chain of custody can generate legally admissible results that are used for child support, inheritance, social welfare benefits, immigration, or adoption purposes.


Custom materials

Let us create the kit you needIf sufficient demand exists, we are able to produce custom forensiX kits for our customers. We have different swabs, labels, and accessories that we can combine to tailor the product you need.

Swabs

Nylon-flocked swab

Cotton swab(short)

Cotton swab(long)

Foam swab(GenoTube)

Nylon-flocked swab (long)

Tube with SafeDry (long)

BasicDry tube

Tube with SafeDry (short)

Tubes

With our ability to produce custom kits, we can create the product you need.

Cotton Swab(pointed)


Examples of custom kitsThe French Evidence Collection Kit uses the short tube with the SafeDry insert and a nylon-flocked swab. The kit also includes a printed envelope, a water ampoule, and a seal.

We have also developed different sexual assault care kits similar to the Hessen kit, albeit with different accessories.

French Evidence Collection Kit

Hessen kit


Additional items

DVDsWe offer special training DVDs on DNA evidence collection and sexual assault care.

NTSC

A rt.-Nr.: 9041031AA rrtt..--NNrr..::: 99004411003311

NTSC

A rt.-Nr.: 9041011

DNA Evidence—Recommendations for Collection, Packaging, and PreservationDetailed instructions make this DVD a valuable source of information about one of the most important steps in the investigation of a crime.

Sexual Assault—The Health Care Response Detailed instructions make this DVD a valuable source of information about the first step in the investigation of one of the most serious and frequently committed crimes of our society.


Product Cat. No.

DVD DNA Evidence PAL (German, French, English) 9041010

DVD DNA Evidence NTSC (German, French, English) 9041011

DVD Sexual Assault (police version) PAL (German, English) 9041020

DVD Sexual Assault (police version) NTSC (German, English) 9041021

DVD Sexual Assault (medical version) PAL (German, English) 9041030

DVD Sexual Assault (medical version) NTSC (German, English) 9041031


Ethylene oxide (EO)–treated swabsEO-treated cotton swabs packed individually or in pairs in a peel pack.


Product Cat. No.

EO-treated Swab 2 pcs /peel pack 9035100

EO-treated Swab 1 pc /peel pack 9035200

Toluidine blue dye One well-studied method of identifying microtrauma in the genital area of sexual assault victims is the use of toluidine blue dye (TBD), a nuclear stain. When placed on an area of skin where the epidermal layer (nonnucleated cells) has been removed, the underlying cells will take up the dye. This provides the forensic nurse the ability to see abrasion injury that the naked eye, and sometimes even magnified examination, may fail to identify.


Product Cat. No.

Toluidine Blue Dye (German) 9036010

Toluidine Blue Dye (English) 9036030


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Documents

DNA collection tools - Thermo Fisher Scientific Technologies | lifetechnologies.com/samplecollection 1 Background 2 Why preservation of DNA evidence at crime scenes is important, and