MadSci Network: Biochemistry
Query:

Re: DNA sampling and isolation

Date: Tue Aug 11 13:58:12 1998
Posted By: Sharon Shriver, Instructor, University of Pittsburgh
Area of science: Biochemistry
ID: 902733161.Bc
Message:

Dear Lucy,

	Buccal cells are a good source of DNA, and cheek brushes are probably 
the only good way for you to get the samples you want by mail.  You can get 
cheek brushes that come already packed in a little mailing tube with 
instructions on the label.  The subject breaks the seal on the tube, twirls 
the brush on the inside of their cheek for a minute, then puts it back in 
the tube and mails it to you.  The ones we use are called Cytobrushes, and 
sometimes they are designated for cervical cell sampling.  Check the large 
lab/medical supply catalogs, or ask a local hospital or gynecologist where 
they get theirs.  We get plenty of DNA from one brush, but often ask the 
subject to do two brushes at once so we have a backup.  I’m not sure of the 
exact yield, but I’d estimate that we get a few micrograms from each prep-
enough for lots of PCR reactions, but not enough for Southern blotting the 
DNA without amplification.  (The only way I know to get enough for 
Southerns is to draw blood).  For the brushes, any standard DNA prep from 
cells will work, scaled down, or you can use one of the kits (we have used 
Qiagen). 

	Hope this helps you out.  Good luck with your study.

Sharon Shriver



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