Q1. Are the swabs easy to use?

The swabs are designed with a small flat head and strong handle allowing pressure to be applied easily to the inside of the cheek. The surface of the swab has been designed to remove buccal cells from the inside of the cheek without causing discomfort.

Q2. What do I do with the swabs after taking a sample?

If using an SK-1 or SK-2 swab, follow the instructions provided and place the swab in the tube supplied to return to the laboratory.

Q3. How do you get the DNA off the swab?

The Isohelix DDK isolation kits are optimized in terms of yield and handling for use with the Isohelix DNA swabs. The swabs are also suitable for use with other DNA isolation protocols and kits.

Q4. What yield of DNA will I get from a swab?

The expected yield is 2 to 10µg DNA.

Q5. Is the DNA suitable for PCR reactions?

The isolated DNA is of high quality and suitable for all types of PCR including multiplex and rtPCR reactions.

Q6. How can I check my DNA before starting further experiments?

The Isohelix DQC DNA Quality Check kit is designed to test the quality and presence of the isolated human DNA by a quick PCR reaction, before starting expensive and time-consuming downstream testing or research projects.

Q7. How can I measure the amount of DNA isolated?

The concentration of the DNA is likely to be below or close to the minimum absorbance sensitivity of most spectrophotometers and may give inaccurate and unreliable information. We would suggest using agarose gel electrophoresis against known concentrations of human DNA standards or using the Molecular Probes PicoGreen®  dsDNA quantification reagent.

For further information on our range of products, please view our range of products listed on the website or email info@isohelix.com.

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