DNA collection device and storage method

• US 20030045814A1
• Filed: 08/05/2002
• Published: 03/06/2003
• Est. Priority Date: 05/25/2001
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Bode Technology Group Incorporated (Laboratory Corporation Of America Holdings)
• Original Assignee: Jangbir S. Sangha
• Inventors: Sangha, Jangbir S.
• Granted Patent: US 6,840,911 B2
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 600/573
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 10/0051 for taking saliva or sputum samples devices for receiving spittle A61J9/00

Abstract

An apparatus and method is provided for collecting a DNA sample from the skin and/or from the oral cavity of a subject, the apparatus comprising a handle mounted absorbent layer supported by a resilient layer and bar codes for association of the sample with identification and evidence documents a storage system is provided to allow sample location using a bar code identifier which avoids removal of the device from storage and avoids disturbing the collected sample.

Claims

1. An apparatus for the collection of a DNA sample comprising:

a handle,

an absorbent attached to said handle said absorbent having a first side and a second side,

a carrier for receiving said handle and holding said handle therein,

a resilient member on said carrier, said resilient member extending adjacent to said absorbent second side to support said absorbent during DNA collection.

2. The apparatus as claimed in claim 1 further comprising a cover to protect said absorbent.

3. The cover as claimed in claim 2 further comprising a vent.

4. The apparatus as claimed in claim 1 wherein said carrier further comprises a securing member to retain said handle within said carrier.

5. The apparatus as claimed in claim 1 wherein said handle is retained within said carrier by frictional fit of said handle within said carrier.

6. The apparatus as claimed in claim 1 wherein said handle further comprises a first handle portion and a second handle portion for capture of said absorbent therebetween.

7. An apparatus for the collection of a DNA sample comprising:

a handle, said handle comprising a first handle portion and a second handle portion,

an absorbent captured between said handle portions, said absorbent having a first side and a second side,

a carrier for receiving said handle and holding said handle therein,

a support on said carrier, said support reinforcing said absorbent for DNA collection on said absorbent.

8. The apparatus as claimed in claim 7 further comprising a cover to protect said absorbent.

9. The cover as claimed in claim 8 further comprising a vent.

10. The apparatus as claimed in claim 7 wherein said carrier further comprises a securing member to retain said handle within said carrier.

11. The apparatus as claimed in claim 10 wherein said handle is retained within said carrier by frictional fit.

12. A method of collecting of a DNA sample from the oral cavity of a subject comprising:

providing an absorbent having a first side and a second side,

mounting said absorbent in a carrier, said carrier supporting said absorbent second side,

inserting said supported absorbent into the buccal cavity of the subject,

rubbing said supported absorbent first side against the cheek of the subject, and

allowing cheek tissue [epithelial cells] to collect on said absorbent.

13. The method as claimed in claim 12 wherein said absorbent is attached to a holder that is removable from said carrier.

14. The method as claimed in claim 12 further comprising the step of placing a cover over said absorbent.

15. A method of collecting of a DNA sample for evidence from a subject comprising:

providing an absorbent,

correlating said absorbent with an investigation report,

rubbing said absorbent against the skin or the epithelium of the subject, and

allowing skin cells or epithelial cells of the subject to collect on said absorbent.

16. The method as claimed in claim 15 further comprising associating said absorbent with a subject report.

17. The method as claimed in claim 15 further comprising associating a storage location with said absorbent and with said subject report and with said investigation report.

18. The method as claimed in claim 15 further comprising associating a storage location with said subject report and with said investigation report.

19. The method as claimed in claim 15 further comprising associating a storage location with said investigation report.