Technical Evaluation of Sample-Processing, Collection, and Preservation Methods.

摘要

To determine the identity of a potential threat, an essential step includes the reliable isolation and purification of unique nucleic acids from unknown agents. The ability to provide polymerase chain reaction-ready DNA is necessary for the positive identification of unknown biological threats. At the time of this study, there were several commercially available assays for isolating and purifying nucleic acids from potential threat agents, but these assays were designed to isolate nucleic acids either for specific types of pathogens or from predetermined matrices. There were no commercially available nucleic acid preparation assays that had the flexibility and broad scope necessary for the wide variety of samples and sample matrices that can be encountered in a biodefense or first-responder setting. It was important to evaluate the available technologies and determine which preparation, collection, and preservation method(s) would be most useful in an emergency setting. This study provided an unbiased technical evaluation of commercially available nucleic acid preparation assays, collection methods and devices, and preservation methods and devices that could be used to support Department of Defense and other interagency acquisition decisions. This study was divided into three specific subsections: (1) sample preparation, (2) sample collection, and (3) sample preservation.