MXPA00011698A - Device and method for obtaining and initially preparing tissue samples for molecular genetic diagnosis - Google Patents

Abstract

The invention relates to a device and a method for taking and initially preparing tissue, blood or other samples with cells or cell components containing a core or DNA for molecular genetic tests. The inventive device for obtaining and initially preparing samples containing cells with DNA comprises a sample container and means for obtaining the samples, said means being inserted in the sample container after the sample has been obtained and sealed inside said container. The sample container has a bottom and side walls and is closed with a lid that can be easily perforated. It also includes means for fixing the inserted sample obtaining means in an area of the container side walls distant from the bottom, whereby means for protecting against enzymes having a catabolic effect on the DNA are provided in the container, whereby the means for obtaining the sample are embodied in such a way that, once inserted in the sample container, said means are fixed in a stable manner to the means provided in the sample container for fixing which divides the sample container into at least one sample chamber delimited by the bottom and the side walls of the sample container and the front end of the sample obtaining means.

Description

DEVICE AND METHOD FOR INITIALLY COLLECTING AND PREPARING TISSUE SAMPLES FOR DIAGOSTICS MOLECULAR GENETICS DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION This invention relates to a device and a method for initially collecting and preparing tissue samples, blood samples, or other cell samples or cellular components, nucleated or containing DNA, for molecular genetic assays. The invention also relates to the use of the device described herein for classifying animal populations. For a variety of research and application programs, a large amount of tissue or DNA samples must be collected. In certain circumstances it is necessary to collect information about the entire population of animals from a farm or ranch (eg biologically dynamic production of animals), or from animal populations, characterized by regions or in a special way. In this way, for example, the scandal of the disease of bovine madness and the associated problems to ensure that the meat and its derivatives come from farms or unaffected ranches, triggered the introduction throughout the European Union the compulsory identification of animals of the farms or ranches, for which the animals, at birth or shortly thereafter, are provided with ear tags to identify them. Each animal on the farm or ranch is identified by an individual number. Thus, by comparing the number, it can be determined, for example, at a later date, at the slaughterhouse, from which farm or ranch the animal comes from. However, these ear tags are not a guarantee against counterfeiting, because they can be changed by manipulation, so that the tax identification system can be evaded. The consumer or the common person can not be sure that the animal really comes from the declared farm or ranch. Consequently, it would be desirable to have a simple analytical method that provides independent confirmation of the information of the producers, processors and distributors. As is already known, each animal can be individually identified by determining certain variants of DNA ("genetic digital printing"). In forensic science and determination of the ancestors of breeding animals, these innovative molecular genetic determinations have already been used for analysis: usually, the veterinarian collects the animal sample in the form of a blood sample, which is analyzed. However, for large animal populations, this requires too much labor and is impossible to do from the economic point of view. With the help of modern methods of detection (PCR, sequencing, etc.) it can be determined, even with very small samples of tissue, whether it comes from a particular individual or not. The test can be performed relatively easily, with a reliability greater than 99.9%. However, at present, the costs in terms of money and manpower are enormous to perform the directed collection, conservation, cataloging and analysis of such number of samples. An object of the present invention is to provide a device by which the collection of samples containing DNA from individuals can be carried out easily and at a reasonable cost.

Another object of the invention is to provide a method by means of which tissue or blood samples of individuals can easily be collected for their analytical investigation. These objectives are carried out by means of a device for the initial collection and preparation of samples of cells containing DNA, the device comprising a recipient receiving the sample and a tool for collecting the sample. Once the sample is collected, the tool to collect the sample is introduced into the sample receiving container, which it closes hermetically. The receiving container of the sample has a base and side walls and is closed by an easily pierceable lid. In an area of the side walls, far from the base, there are means that affirm the tool to collect the sample, introduced, and in the container there are substances that protect it from the DNA degrading enzymes. The tool for collecting the sample has a shape such that when it is introduced into the recipient receiving the sample, the means for affirming it (provided in the sample receiving container) keep it firmly in place; the tool divides the recipient container of the sample into at least one space for the sample, limited by the base and the side walls of the sample receiving container, and by the front end of the tool to collect the sample. In addition, the aforesaid objective is carried out by a method in which, using the device of the present invention, a suitable sample is collected with the front end of the tool to collect the sample, and this tool is introduced into the recipient receiving the sample , so that the base and the side walls of the recipient receiving the sample, and the front part of the tool to collect the sample form a space for the sample, a space that is isolated from the environment. The invention will be explained below with the help of the accompanying drawings, in which: Figure 1 shows a cross-section of a model of the sample receiving container 1, which has a projection 8 on its base 2. The tool for collecting the sample 4 is inside the sample receiving container 1 and closes it tightly. On the side of the tool for collecting the sample 4, away from the space for the sample 6,6a, there is a recess 12 that allows the insertion of a rod. Figure 2 shows a cross-section of an arrangement of a plate-pin 10 with a pin 10a, an opening plate 11 and a recipient receiving the sample 1, attached to a tongue 9. The recipient recipient of the sample 1 is closed using the tool to collect the sample 4, representing the situation that occurs after the application of an ear mark 10,11 with simultaneous collection of a sample. Figure 3 shows a side view of an ear mark 10,11 consisting of a shank-plate 10 and an opening plate 11, and a recipient of the sample 1 together with the tongue 9, before being assembled by means of of a suitable device. Figure 4 shows a diagram of an individual DNA determination in cattle. The invention will now be described in greater detail using the preferred model, with reference to the drawings. The device invented comprises a sample receiving container 1 and a tool for collecting the sample 2. The sample receiving container 1 has a base 2 and side walls 3, and is closed by means of an easily pierceable lid, such as a film or membrane. The receiving container of the sample 1 can be subdivided by additional membranes, so that they can be kept separated within the receiving container of the sample 1, until two or more components are used, and only an introduction of the tool to collect the sample 4 comes in contact with each of them and with the sample. In addition, the sample receiving container 11 can be subdivided into at least two chambers by means of a dividing wall, such as a projection 8, which extends over the entire diameter of the base 2, so that, when the samples are collected , you can take at least two completely isolated samples. In a preferred model, the sample receiving container 1 accommodates at least the front end of the tool to collect the sample 4. If necessary, its base 2 may have a shape such that it has a projection 8 tipped off; the tool for collecting the sample 4 is suitably adapted to the projection 8. As a result, when the tool for collecting the sample 4 enters the receiving container of the sample 1, the sample is crushed tightly and pressed into the space for the sample 6 , 6a, limited by the base 2 and the side walls 3 of the sample receiving container 1 and also by the front part 7 of the tool for collecting the sample 4. The receiving container of the sample 1 can also have a supporting device 9, such as a flat extension, for example a tongue with a hole for holding it properly. A) Yes, for example, the tongue can be attached to the pliers when they are used to apply the ear mark 10,11. The tongue is also suitable for taking the identification number, which is the same as that of the ear tag. The marking can be done manually in the recesses provided, or it can be premarked, for example by engraving, the tongue, or it can be stamped at the same time the same identification number that is applied to the part of the plate of the ear tag 10.11. If necessary (eg for the further processing, manual, of the samples), the receiving container of the sample 1 can also have a shape such that the area of the receiving container of the sample 1 that limits the space for the sample 6,6a, once closed by means of the tool to collect the sample 4, it is joined by means of a screw to the body of the receptacle receiving sample 1, so that it can be easily unscrewed, allowing an easy access to the sample. In a preferred model of the device, the sample receiving container 1 is closed by the tool for collecting the sample 4 in such a way that the sample space 6, 6a can not be opened without destroying the device. This ensures that the collected sample can not be manipulated without being noticed. The recipient vessel of sample 1 contains substances to render the protein component of the tissue sample inactive, and to stabilize the DNA. The substances for rendering the proteins (enzymes, DNA-loops, etc.) of the tissue sample inactive and for stabilizing the DNA can be chosen, for example, from the group consisting of: proteinase K (eg lyophilized to make it stable in deposit) and (packing separately) a buffer (buffer) to digest the proteins; strong bases; molecular sieve (eg E. Merck 0.2 nm No. 1.05704.0250, K 230045904 624, ability to absorb water> 20%), which is extremely hygroscopic and thoroughly dries the tissue sample when it comes into contact with it (and warms it), and in this way inactivates it. To protect the molecular sieve from unwanted absorption of moisture from the air, it can be treated, for example, with the inert argon gas and confined within a film; other components that maintain the inactivation of protein components and the stabilization of DNA. The substances are formulated so that they remain active for a long time, for example, for a year or more, and so that, after introducing the sample, they ensure DNA integrity, sufficient for the analytical study for at least several months until one year. The tool for collecting the sample 4 can have a shape that allows to collect the sample and introduce it in the recipient recipient of the sample 1, which is hermetically closed by the tool to collect the sample 4, once introduced. This includes the cylindrical, conical shapes, etc. In a preferred model of the device, the tool for collecting the sample 4 consists of two parts that are assembled (although detachably) before use, and used separately. This can be done, for example, by a narrow plastic bridge that has a specified breaking point. The tool for collecting the sample 4 can be solid, or it can have on its rear side, for example, a central hollow 12 to allow the insertion of a rod, a hollow into which the steel arms of pliers can be inserted for reinforce the tool during its use. The tool to collect sample 4 performs various functions. With it the sample is collected, for example, by simple immersion in body fluids, such as blood, lymph or urine, or by scraping or punching, tissue of the subject. In a preferred model, the ear of the subject is pierced with the device of the invention; at the front end of the tool for collecting the sample 4 a sharp edge can be provided so that, by pressing the tool through the ear, a small sample of tissue can be extracted by punching / compression. In another preferred model of the device, the tool for collecting the sample is applied by a suitable instrument, for example, pliers for marking ears, at the same time that an earmark is pressed through the ear of the subject, so that The application of said brand and the taking of samples take place in the same work process. The ear tags that are used for identification usually consist of two parts: a plate having a pin 10 (plate-spike) and an opening plate 11 that is approximately the same size as the plate-pin 10, or have a smaller size, because it only has to be long enough to prevent the pin 10a from sliding out of the ear. Both parts can be made of a synthetic material compatible with the tissues, suitable for use with food (eg polyurethane Desmopan 795 U of Bayer), or partially made of metal (eg stainless steel, brass, bronze or Similary). To insert the ear tag 10.11, commercial pliers can be used for ear marking. Most of the pliers available for this purpose can be easily modified, if necessary, by adding a small extra piece, so that the sample recipient 1 is hung from the pliers after the insertion of the ear mark. , 11 and, therefore, can be easily picked up. The extra piece consists, for example, of a small button that is placed in the recess provided in the tongue 9 of the sample recipient 1. After inserting the ear mark 10.11 into the ear, the ear mark 10 , 11 abruptly withdraws from her bra in the pliers, if necessary, and the button firmly holds on the pliers the tongue 9 with the sample receiving container 1. The button on the tongue can then easily be removed and the receiving container of sample 1 can be collected. The tool to collect the sample 4 it closes the sample receiving container 1 when it is introduced, and is retained in place by fixing means 5, so that both the exit of sample material and the entry of foreign material are prevented. The receiving container of the sample 1 and also the tool for collecting the sample 4 can be made of some suitable material, for example of metal or of a synthetic material reinforced with glass fiber. If the tool for collecting the sample 4 is made of a synthetic material, it can be reinforced during its insertion into the ear by means of a metal rod of the pliers used. With the invented device it is possible to take samples in the animals at the same time as the routine identification with the ear maracas 10,11 is performed, without major efforts or additional expenses. The resulting savings are very substantial. Another advantage of the invented device against conventional sample receiving vessels is given by the holding device 9 of the sample receiving container, which has the shape of a flat tab and can be used to mark / identify the sample, the usual marking is performed by hand and with little effort, on the generally curved surface of the containers almalways cylindrical (eg Eppendorf tubes), and what results can be difficult to read. Therefore, this makes it difficult to examine numbers or data and automatic collection. The invented system is particularly advantageous when it is necessary to take samples of a material that is still part of a whole, so that normally the sample would have to be taken with an instrument (knife, sharp spoon, scalpel, etc.). When using instruments that are reused, the danger of contamination is very great, as in very sensitive tests, such as PCR (polymerase chain reaction), even isolated cells can lead to contamination and therefore to false positive results. When the invented device is used, they only come into contact with the sample material, parts that are used only once. The device of the invention can also be used, for example, to reliably and safely collect and process fluid samples (blood, urine, saliva and others). In this case, the fluid is placed in the opening of the receiving container of the sample 1, or on the front of the tool to collect the sample 4, which is then introduced under pressure, by means of a suitable device such as pliers, in the recipient receiving the sample 1. The samples should also be collected in a clean, reliable and securely identified manner, using the invented device, using the front part of the tool to collect the sample 4 as a "sharp spoon", passing it with a Lightly scraped over the surface. A substantial advantage of the invention resides in that the receptacle of the sample 1 can be marked at the same time as the ear marks (plate-pin 10, opening plate 11), with which the same numbering without error of its distribution to the users or owners of the animals. The marking can be done, for example, by a printer with which, when ear tags of plastic material are used, a standard (black) mixture is applied which binds so strongly to the plastic material that it can not be erased or removed by the plastic. normal use. In addition, the corresponding parts may have an individual number printed.

The samples collected with the invented device are then taken to a central collection site, where they are analyzed. The receiving container of the sample 1 can be collected without taking into account in particular the temperature and the duration of transport. Recipient recipients of sample 1 can be transported without problems or risks by mail, express or by sample collection, to the laboratory or to the deposit. The processing of the samples in the laboratory, taking an aliquot and making the test reactions and analyzes, can be automated using a robot-controlled system. The identification number of the samples is recorded and further processed by a reading device (scanner). By avoiding the manual input of the data, the error rate can remain negligibly small. To process or analyze the DNA of the samples collected with the device of the invention, the recipients receiving the sample 1 are placed on a conveyor belt, so that a reading device can register the identification of the sample. A cannula is then inserted through the floor of the sample space 6,6a and a f is injected to collect the sample and an aliquot is then taken. The insertion point can be closed again, in order to store the sample recipient. If the space for sample 6,6a was properly divided at the start, then other samples are available for analysis in the invented device.

DNA isolation can be automated using a robot pipettor (Bíomec 2000, Beckman), and DNA purification, using silico particles (eg InstaGene Matrix, Biorad). Test reactions with these samples can also be prepared by automation. The system described here for collecting easily analyze samples automatically has the following advantages: Free proof of falsification of the origin and identity of all cattle and meat of these cattle, in all stages of processing until consumption, and, consequently , proof of an origin in areas free of bovine madness disease (BSE). It allows the control and with it the establishment of directed programs of sales, such as animals maintained in organic farms or maintained in national parks or with identification of special grade. Verification and control of the routes, times and distances of all livestock transport. Effective border control and monitoring of livestock within the European Union and international export. Unequivocal identification of all players, with confirmation of identity, possible at any time, for example in auctions, exhibitions, etc. Complete proof of the origin of all the animals born, and detection of errors or falsified papers. Thoroughly reliable forensic evidence (also on meat already consumed, from the contents of the stomach, by the medical examiner). Fully reliable monitoring of culled samples and control of epidemics. Determination of the meat mixture in all tested (processed) foods, including pet food. Detection in the course of random trials in slaughterhouses, of producers who have been treated with prohibited hormones or with prohibited growth promoters. Proof of the origin of other derivatives of meat production, such as hides, bones, horns, hooves, organ preparations, blood, etc. Test and determination of the origin of the animal and ancestry, with milk or dairy products sold directly. Accurate registration of all herds of cattle and commercialization routes. Samples may be available for detailed analysis of DNA polymorphisms, genetic distance measurements and genetic selection programs. Optimization of breeding programs. Measurement of genetic distance. Research on the genealogical and reproductive history of animal breeds. Analysis as part of selection programs aided by dialing (MAS). Accurate evidence of the presence and frequency of particular genetic defects. From a forensic point of view, the device described here and the method described here have the additional advantage that the collected sample can not be changed (replaced, falsified) without being able to recognize the consequent manipulation of the recipient receiving the sample. The collection and cataloging of the samples taken also makes possible, without great expense, the typing, the proof of origin, the selection of genetic defects, the population analysis, the detection of mutation, and also the selection of food substances, the diagnoses of diseases, the transgenic diagnoses, the hygiene control in the processing of food, etc. With the system described here, it is possible to determine the genetic information that exists in all animals and in all products derived from animals, until their consumption. With the device described herein, the costs normally inherent therein are reduced several times. Even in foods of animal origin, intensely processed (sausages, processed meat, "Leberkás" (finely ground meat, with spices and other ingredients, to put in the oven or already baked), milanesas, etc.) can be established the species and the specific DNA of the individual. With which it is possible to detect contamination of the food with foreign meat components. Of course, by this method it is also possible to prove without doubt that a particular food comes from a particular animal if, as has been said, a suitable (first) sample was taken from the farm or ranch of origin (Fig. 3). ). To do this, a tissue sample must be taken from the ear of each newborn animal on the farm or ranch, to typify the DNA and transmit it to the typing center. Using a PCR (automated) DNA "fingerprints" are taken from microsatellite sensitizers, and an unequivocal pattern is recorded for each animal. These data are stored in a central registry and made accessible through it. The corresponding animal can be found from a "digital impression" of a routine test, that is, by comparing a second sample taken after the DNA typing, with the "digital impressions" of the first analysis. This result is normally available within a day. In extreme cases, for example when animals are transported or when control is made at the border, an urgent result may be available within three hours. The number of the animal, that is, the "digital print" of the DNA and all other data can be requested for each animal registered. The owner of the animal, that is, all the animals sold by an owner, or of a herd, can be covered. The parents of the animal can be obtained from this register, several years after registering all the cattle born, the ancestry and also the number of offspring of each parent. The individual classification of a complete population of farm animals is novel. Any consumer, guest, customer, merchant, butcher, processor, owner or inspector can control the identity and thus the origin of an animal or animal product (Figure 4). For this control, it is only necessary to take a second sample, for example, in the slaughterhouse, the supermarket and even the food already prepared (for example, in a restaurant, a Milanese that is already on the table). With live animals, for example, when controlling whether animals are transported in the approved way (distance), a typification is possible in a similar way. With repeated controls often enough, the degree of certainty of the control results will automatically lead to a minimization of fraud, because of the fear of reliable and legally incontestable evidence, and of the risk of detecting fraud. All the orders that can be given in the future to control particular groups of animals or herds in order to prevent risks, controlling epidemics or determining illegal residues (hormones, growth promoters, etc.) in animals, can be met immediately using the DNA data already collected. If the individual typing with the system described here is carried out consistently in a region, it will be able at any time to react immediately, ie on the same day, to problems that arise (eg suspicion of the disease). of bovine madness in an animal, outbreak of swine fever in a farm, etc.), which provides the consumer with unparalleled protection and unparalleled testing possibilities for controls. In particular, it could be possible, for example, to fully and undoubtedly prove, through individual typing, that the animals and products of the "alternative production" really derive therefrom. This means that any customer can arrange the control of the information that accompanies the meat, even after a long transport and the sale of the meat, sending samples (second sample). The invention will now be explained in greater detail using examples that are not to be limited to the invention described in the claims. Example 1. Individual classification of livestock. A cow with a conventional ear tag was marked. In the spike of the plate-spike was fixed the tool to collect the sample, which is cone shaped with the vertex to the front, and a cylindrical base that has a cavity to receive the spike of the plate-spike. The receiving container of the sample, made in one piece together with the tongue, was placed in the pliers, under the position provided for the opening plate, in such a way that the lid of the recipient receiving the sample, closed with a lid of synthetic film is aligned with the hole of the opening plate. At a location remote from the sample receiving container, the tab has a hole to fix it in place on the pliers. Pressing through the ear of the cow the spike provided with the plate-tang of the tool to collect the sample, the sample of the punched ear is pressed towards the interior of the recipient receiving the sample. After the introduction, the tool for collecting the sample was fixed in place by the projections of the internal walls of the recipient receiving the sample, whereby the space for the sample, formed, was hermetically sealed. In the sample recipient there was a molecular sieve (merck, 0.2 nm, No. 1.05704.0250) that protected the DNA of the collected sample from degradation. After half a year, the DNA "fingerprints" and PCR analyzes of known genes could be performed without problems with the genetic material present in the recipient recipient of the sample. Example 2 Selection of functional mutants for the breeding of special lines (eg of 1.3Gal / Gal3 pigs negative for xenotransplantation). Because of the speed of the natural mutation, in a population of sufficient size, in isolated individuals each gene present in the genome contains hidden mutations, not exactly different, but rather with a certain probability also of mutations that cause inactivation of the allele. In most of these cases, this involves recessive mutations rather than dominant mutations. According to the Hardy-Weinberg law, the predominant amount of such changes in genotype, caused by mutations, is masked by heterozygous individuals. In a selection process it is critical to discover, using appropriate molecular genetic analyzes of the appropriate place in the population of accessible pigs, a (only) heterozygous animal carrier of the mutation. Then a homozygous-negative line can be created with this animal that has the same desired genetic defect and required as a line generated through gene destruction. In no way will it be inferior to this one. The suggested approach represents to a certain degree the selection of a line of cells of a lineage after recombination with a suitable structure that does not contain a marker. The difference is as follows: All the cells of a line of cells of a lineage have the same genotype, except those that present a change or recombination after a single mutation has occurred. In the selection of pig populations, all genotypes analyzed are different. They have not been mutagenized in a directed manner, but they carry mutations that have accumulated in the course of evolution and by the work of the breeders (while they are not subjected to non-negative selection pressure in the heterozygote stage). quantitative differences in the expression of 1.3Gal / Gal3. When the mutation analysis tries to find mutations already present in diverse populations, the breeding animals will be analyzed. If new mutations are unknown, then production pigs can only carry mutations that are already present in the reproductive parents. For compliance in practice, the preservation and collection of tissue samples with the Typi-fix system is a critical factor for good results or monetary performance.

In the analysis to find carriers of mutation, it should be taken into account that possibly it will be necessary to test up to 100,000 genotypes to find animals that may have a 1.3Gal / Gal3 deficiency. For the costly collection of individual samples of 100,000 pigs, the invented system is the method of choice. The samples only need to be transported to the laboratory (by mail or by sample collection) and further processed there.

Claims (21)

1. Device for initially collecting and preparing samples of cells containing DNA, characterized by comprising: a recipient receiving the sample (1) and a tool for collecting the sample (4) that is introduced into the sample receiving container once the sample has been collected. shows and closes it tightly; the container receiving the sample (1) has a base (2) and side walls (3), is closed by an easily pierceable lid and has on its side walls, in an area away from its base, means (5) to affirm the tool to collect the sample, introduced; protective means against DNA degrading enzymes are provided in the container; the tool for collecting the sample (4) has a shape such that when it is introduced into the sample receiving container (1), it is held in place by the means for affirming it (5), provided in the sample receiving container and dividing the receiving container of the sample into at least one space for the sample (6,6a), limited by the base (2) and the side walls (3) of the recipient receiving the sample (1), and by the end (7) of the tool for collecting the sample (4) facing the container (1) sample receptor.

Device according to claim 1, characterized in that the perforable lid of the sample receiving container is a film or a waterproof membrane.

3. Device according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the protective means against the DNA degrading enzymes are a base, proteinase K or a molecular sieve.

Device according to claim 3, characterized in that the proteinase K is separated from a suitable buffer by means of a membrane that is destroyed with the introduction of the tool to collect the sample, by contacting the proteinase K with the buffer.

Device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the end (7) facing the sample receiving container (1) of the tool for collecting the sample (4) is tapered.

Device according to one of the preceding claims, the end (7) facing the sample receiving container (1), of the tool for collecting the sample (4) has at least one sharp edge.

Device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the base (2) of the container receiving the sample (1) has a projection (8) inside the interior of the container, and that the front end faces the container (1). ) sample receiver, of the tool for collecting the sample (4) is adapted to receive said projection, so that the sample material introduced by the tool to collect the sample (4) is crushed between the projection (8) and the tool to collect the sample (4).

8. Device according to claim 7, characterized in that the projection (8) is attached to the side walls (3) of the recipient receiving the sample (1) in such a way that, once introduced, a tool for collecting the sample (4), suitable, the sample receiving container (1) is divided into two sample spaces (6,6a).

Device according to claim 7 or 8, characterized in that the projection (8) has a conical shape.

Device according to one of claims 7 to 9, characterized in that the projection (8) is a wall that divides the sample receiving container in two zones.

Device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the container receiving the sample (1) is connected to a holding device (9).

Device according to claim 10, characterized in that the holding device (9) is a tongue.

Device according to one of the preceding claims, the end (7) that is not oriented towards the recipient (1) receiving the sample of the tool (4) to collect the sample, has a shape that allows the insertion of a rod .

Device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the tool for collecting the sample (1) is detachably attached to the tang plate (10) of an ear mark.

Device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the container receiving the sample is removably connected to an opening plate (11) of an ear tag.

Device according to claim 14 or 15, characterized in that the ear tag (10,11) and the sample receiving container (1) are provided with the same identification number.

Method for collecting samples of cells containing DNA using the device of claim 1, characterized in that: a suitable sample is collected by the end (7) oriented towards the sample recipient (1) of the tool to collect the sample (4), and this is introduced into the sample receiving container (1) so as to form a sample space (6,6a), limited by the base (2) and the side walls (3) of the receiving container of the sample (1) and by the end (7) oriented towards the sample recipient (1), of the tool for collecting the sample (4), and so that said space is hermetically closed with respect to the environment.

Method according to claim 17, characterized in that the tool for collecting the sample (4) of a suitable device is pressed through the ear of an animal and is introduced into the recipient receiving the sample (1).

19. Method according to claim 18, characterized in that at the same time the marking of the ear of the animal is carried out.

20. A method for classifying animal populations characterized in that samples are taken from animals of a population with a device according to one of claims 1 to 16, subjected to analytical analysis in a laboratory and cataloged.

21. The use of a device according to one of claims 1 to 16 for collecting a sample of cells containing DNA from an animal.