There are many different materials/samples that can be gathered in order to get DNA samples for DNA analysis. What kind of information is gathered usually relies on the study’s goals and the type of investigation being done. This is a list of samples that are typically collected for the purpose of DNA analysis:
Blood: Blood collected in tubes containing anticoagulants such as EDTA or heparin.
Saliva: Buccal swabs or saliva samples collected using specialized collection devices.
Hair: Hair follicles with attached root sheaths, as they contain nuclear DNA.
Bone: Bone samples, particularly in forensic investigations or archaeological studies.
Teeth: Dental pulp from teeth can provide a good source of DNA.
Seminal Fluid: Samples collected in sexual assault cases for DNA analysis.
Skin Cells: Skin cells collected using swabs or tape lifts may be used for DNA analysis.
Urine: In certain cases, urine samples may be used for DNA analysis.
Tissue Biopsy: Biopsy samples from various tissues, depending on the medical or research context.
Fingernails/Toenails: Clippings or scrapings from nails can sometimes yield DNA.
Cigarette Butts: DNA can be extracted from saliva on cigarette butts.
Chewing Gum: Chewing gum may contain saliva, providing a potential DNA source.
Semen Stains: Clothing or other materials with semen stains may be collected in sexual assault cases.
Earwax: In some cases, earwax can be a source of DNA.
Vaginal Swabs: Collected in sexual assault cases for DNA analysis.
Fetal Tissue: Fetal tissue samples may be collected for genetic testing.
Amniotic Fluid: For prenatal genetic testing, amniotic fluid can be analyzed.
Placenta: Placental tissue can be a source of DNA in medical contexts.
Cotton Swabs: Swabs used to collect samples from various surfaces or objects.
