How to sample – Paternity testing and relationship testing

 

Buccal swabs (swabs taken from the mouth are the most ideal and standard sample that are used for Paternity Testing. If such a sample cannot be collected, non-standard samples can be submitted by testing. Non- Standard samples do not always provide a good source of DNA, reducing the possibility of obtaining a DNA profile. Successful DNA Porfiling is dependent on the sample type and storage conditions. When using biological samples, moulding is one of the biggest problems due to the fact that damp storage conditions promote fungal growth. In order for this to be avoided it is important that the sample is either air dried sufficiently or stored in a paper bag rather then a plastic one.

 

Apart from the storage, there is also a High, Medium or Low probabilty of success in extracting DNA for each type of sample. The following is a list of Non- standard samples that can be used for DNA profiling:

 

• Toothbrushes (High)

• Blood (High)

• Hair with roots (Medium)

• Stamps (Medium)

• Envelopes (Medium)

• Cigarette Butt (Medium)

• Chewing gum (Medium)

• Nails (Low)

High (80%): Samples such as fresh blood, toothbrushes and body tissue can provide an excellent source of DNA, provided that the sampling is done properly and the sample is stored appropriately.

 

Medium (50% - 60%): For samples such as Hair with roots or cigarette butts the success rate is influenced by a number of variables such as storage conditions, type of hair, stamps and envelopes may also be a good source of DNA. 

 

Low (20% - 30%): For samples such as nails, teeth or bone, where DNA extraction is relatively difficult and time consuming process. These normally require specialised processing, which may still produce negative results in some of the cases.

 

Important: bring with you some form of identification when coming for a paternity test. 

 

Sampling for Bird Sexing

 

• A plastic bag should be used to collect the feathers.

• The plastic bag should be labelled appropriately with the name of the bird, species, ring number and date of sample collection.

• Three or more plucked chest feathers should be used for each bird.

• A few drops of blood can also be supplied for testing instead of feathers.

• Sample submission form should be filled in appropriately and must accompany all samples sent.

• Samples should be delivered / sent to the laboratory as soon as possible (ideally not more than 48 hours after sample collection).

• Samples should never be exposed to extremes of temperature (e.g. left in a freezer or left in the sun in a car).

 

Sampling for Molecular Diagnostics

 

BioDNA Laboratory Services Ltd accepts the following samples for testing:

 

• DNA samples should be submitted at room temperature. At least 30µg is required for screening of whole genes and 10µg if few mutations are going to be analysed. HS code: 2934.90.89.00

• Whole Blood: 10mL peripheral blood collected in an EDTA vacutainer (Lavender top). Samples must be submitted at room temperature and never frozen. HS code: 3002.90.10.00

 

Some tests might require the use of special containers for the preservation of RNA so please refer to the specific test's instructions or enquire for further information.

Please send samples together with completed submission forms to the laboratory by courier or express mail on the address below. 
 
Results will ONLY be issued to the requesting medical practitioner.

 

Sampling for Food and Water Microbiology

 

Sampling in Malta can be done by one of our scientists on site. Food specimens should be sent for examination in a sterile leak proof container. Please, send 30g of specimen for each test requested. Sampling instruments such as scalpels and knives used to cut the food are to be sterile. Each sample is to be sealed properly and labelled clearly including the name of the food, name of the sampling officer, date of sampling and a unique identifier. These details should match those given on the submission form.

 

Samples should be transported and stored under conditions that inhibit deterioration and changes in microbial numbers. Frozen foods need to be kept frozen as far as possible while refrigerated foods should be kept below 8°C but not frozen. Hot and warm samples should be kept separately from other food samples and cooled quickly to 8°C or below. Dried and canned foods need not be cooled but should be stored and transported at a temperature less than 40°C. Chilled and frozen samples should be delivered to the laboratory in an insulated container on ice, soon after collection. Always remember to fill in correctly the submission form you find on our website.