How is the DNA collected?
The DNA is collected via cheek swabs. The swab is twirled on the inside of the cheek for about 10 seconds to collect mucosal cells, then air-dried for 10 seconds. You replace the swab in the original package and store it in a well ventilated area — a drawer, box or some other non-airtight container. You do not put swabs in plastic bags or seal them. Can you collect enough DNA on a swab? Some research facilities ask that blood be sent for DNA extraction on the premise that blood contains more DNA and precludes the possibility of running out. It is true that swabs collect less DNA, but genetics labs have the technology to replicate it. The University of California at Davis and Washington State University are two of the many institutions that use swab DNA for research and use DNA replication technology. Click here for an article by a canine geneticist about the advantages of DNA swabs in gene mapping.
