Classifications

• • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
  • A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
  • A61B—DIAGNOSIS; SURGERY; IDENTIFICATION
  • A61B10/00—Other methods or instruments for diagnosis, e.g. instruments for taking a cell sample, for biopsy, for vaccination diagnosis; Sex determination; Ovulation-period determination; Throat striking implements
  • A61B10/02—Instruments for taking cell samples or for biopsy
• • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
  • A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
  • A61B—DIAGNOSIS; SURGERY; IDENTIFICATION
  • A61B10/00—Other methods or instruments for diagnosis, e.g. instruments for taking a cell sample, for biopsy, for vaccination diagnosis; Sex determination; Ovulation-period determination; Throat striking implements
  • A61B10/0045—Devices for taking samples of body liquids
  • A61B10/0051—Devices for taking samples of body liquids for taking saliva or sputum samples
• • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
  • A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
  • A61B—DIAGNOSIS; SURGERY; IDENTIFICATION
  • A61B10/00—Other methods or instruments for diagnosis, e.g. instruments for taking a cell sample, for biopsy, for vaccination diagnosis; Sex determination; Ovulation-period determination; Throat striking implements
  • A61B10/0096—Casings for storing test samples
• • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
  • A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
  • A61B—DIAGNOSIS; SURGERY; IDENTIFICATION
  • A61B17/00—Surgical instruments, devices or methods, e.g. tourniquets
  • A61B17/32—Surgical cutting instruments
  • A61B2017/320004—Surgical cutting instruments abrasive
  • A61B2017/320012—Brushes

Definitions

• the present invention provides an improved non-invasive system for generating a genetic file for identification and medical evaluation. More particularly, the present invention relates to the harvesting of cells for DNA isolation and genetic testing from the inner cheeks of individuals and corpses for the purpose of storage for later evaluation.
• DNA deoxyribonucleic acid
• U.S. Patent No. 5,101,970 to Turner discloses one system for collecting and storing DNA specimens from living persons which includes storage of the specimens together with information in a freezer. However, the information is collected only from living parties and blood samples are used.
• DNA is responsible for transmitting a person's hereditary characteristics.
• PCR Polymerase Chain Reaction
• DNA samples can be obtained by swabbing or scraping the inside of a cheek with a sterile swab.
• DNA samples taken from skin or hair may be tainted with chemicals from hair sprays or body lotions so as to obscure the DNA reading.
• inner cheeks refers to the cheek area as well as the portion of the mouth about the lips and is referred to as the buccal mucosa.
• the present invention provides a method of collecting and storing DNA bearing materials from living or deceased persons.
• a plurality of sterile swabs are used to collect the DNA bearing material from the inner cheeks of the person by stroking the inside of the cheeks at least about 10 times, preferably at least 20 times when unsupervised.
• about 2250 nanograms of DNA bearing material is collected with each swab so as to obtain at least 4500 nanograms .
• the DNA bearing swabs are then placed into an envelope which bears information regarding the donor of the DNA specimen.
• the specimens can then be sent for processing.
• the DNA inside of the cells on a swab are stable for over a month at room temperature and can experience extreme temperatures of 37oC and -20 C for 12 to 24 hour periods.
• At least two or more, preferably 3-6 swabs of DNA material are collected for preservation or immediate processing.
• the envelopes containing the swabs with specimens are bar coded to preserve the confidentiality of the person and/or the party with whom the background information is applied.
• kits In connection with the method of the present invention, there is provided a kit.
• the preferred kit contains an envelope with a data information sheet which identifies the party providing the specimens.
• a second envelope contains at least six sterile swabs.
• the swabs are of high modulus fibers.
• a third envelope or container is preaddressed to a depositary.
• the envelopes are bar coded so as to be read by a computer.
• the kit is provided so that the DNA material can be collected at home.
• the present invention provides a non-invasive system for collecting and preserving data and physical evidence from a living or deceased individual for identification. More specifically, means is provided for collecting a DNA sample from the inner cheeks of an individual, identifying the person and then sending the sample to a depository where the information is collected and the DNA sample is dated, identified and/or stored in a frozen state for future use.
• a sealable envelope which contains a data collection sheet for recording information regarding the individual providing the samples.
• sterile swabs are provided for collecting specimens from the inner cheeks of the individual .
• the swabs comprise high modulus synthetic fibers such as polyamide, polyester, polyimide, polyethylene, and the like. Most preferable are swabs comprising DACRON (trademark of E.I. DuPont) . It is preferred to have a multiplicity of swabs, preferably about 6-10 swabs so that sufficient material is available for multiple analysis over a period of time or generations of individuals.
• At least 10 strokes or rubbings are utilized to collect the samples so as to provide an average of at least about 4500 nanograms of DNA material for living persons or corpses.
• a further envelope is used for mailing the information sheet and swabs to a processing and storage facility.
• the used swabs are returned into the envelope and placed together with the first envelope containing the data sheet into a third envelope which is then mailed for processing at a depository for a reading and/or storage in a conventional manner.
• the following chart represents a study performed on living individuals wherein the individuals were requested to stroke their inner cheeks with a DACRON swab so as to collect DNA material .
• the kit of the present invention is intended for use at home and by non-technicians.
• a container is provided which holds three envelopes.
• One envelope contains an information sheet or card which collects vital data used in identifying individuals such as name, address, place and date of birth, and relevant, medical history, etc. Such data can be used and is often valuable m identifying persons or relatives. If desired, means for fingerprinting and recording the fingerprints may be provided.
• Another envelope which contains the sterile swabs for obtaining the DNA material from the inner cheeks
• the swabs can be in the form of a wrap of high modulus fibers on a stick that can be readily inserted to scrape the inner cheeks by the individual or other person.
• the used swabs can be reinserted into the envelope for proper identification and for sending up to storage facility.
• the third envelope is a transporting or mailing envelope which preferably has the address of the storage facility
• the identifying card m its envelope and the used swabs in their envelope can thereby be sent or mailed to the proper places
• each of the envelopes is bar coded for easier identification that all of the envelopes are related
• the envelopes should be of suitable material so as to permit writing and/or printing.
• Sealable envelopes such as comprising TYVEK or plastic lined envelopes may be utilized. With the vital information, the sealed envelopes can be sent to a processing laboratory where the DNA is removed and stored within a family freezer. In the freezer, the samples are chilled to a temperature below the freezing point so that the useful life of the samples can be extended.
• the bar coding from the envelope is placed on a computer system.
• the swab heads are cut from the swab stems and placed in microcentrifuge tubes where the DNA cells are lysed to extract DNA from the nuclei .
• the DNA is quantitated to assure a minimum amount of 4500 nanograms are present. This process insures the integrity of the DNA and that there is enough DNA for future testing.
• the DNA samples are split and stored in two separate freezers for safety and integrity.

Landscapes

• Health & Medical Sciences (AREA)
• Life Sciences & Earth Sciences (AREA)
• Medical Informatics (AREA)
• Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
• Biomedical Technology (AREA)
• Heart & Thoracic Surgery (AREA)
• Pathology (AREA)
• Molecular Biology (AREA)
• Surgery (AREA)
• Animal Behavior & Ethology (AREA)
• General Health & Medical Sciences (AREA)
• Public Health (AREA)
• Veterinary Medicine (AREA)
• Apparatus Associated With Microorganisms And Enzymes (AREA)
• Measuring Or Testing Involving Enzymes Or Micro-Organisms (AREA)

Applications Claiming Priority (3)

Publications (2)

Family

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Family Applications (1)

Country Status (3)

Families Citing this family (3)

Citations (3)

Family Cites Families (2)

• 1996
  • 1996-11-15 WO PCT/IB1996/001440 patent/WO1997018009A1/en active Search and Examination
  • 1996-11-15 CA CA 2251785 patent/CA2251785A1/en not_active Abandoned
  • 1996-11-15 EP EP96940090A patent/EP0956083A4/de not_active Withdrawn

Patent Citations (3)

Non-Patent Citations (2)

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