Spit DNA Collection Limitations Magnifies Genomics Research Diversity Issue
Spit DNA Collection Limitations Magnifies Genomics Research Diversity Issue
We have been advocating that the diversity in genomics research is an issue since Mawi DNA’s inception in 2014. Interestingly, in late 2018 and now 2019 several publications came out to describe this issue in greater details. Unfortunately, such gap of genetic data hinders progress in understanding the global picture of human health and in particular personalized and precision medicine including the pharmacogenomics of how our bodies react to different drugs.
Spit and/or saliva collection might have been an acceptable alternative to getting gDNA from blood sample. But now it is becoming obvious that its use has many limitations:
Not everyone can spit 1-2 mL, especially children and elderly, which in fact include 40% of the population
Spitting in many cultures is considered improper behavior even if it was in a tube. Limiting sample diversity across the globe
Relatively high sample failure rate due to low quality gDNA with high bacterial DNA contamination
Why lack of diversity hinders genomics research?
Majority of the genetic data collected is from European decent, which represent 16% of the world population, therefore cannot be applied to other parts of the world.
What works for you not necessarily works for me, which is affecting medications efficiency and pharmacogenetics profiles across individuals
Stored samples from completed cohort genetic studies are mainly spit, that adds another level of delinquency of the diversity issue
What are the main characteristics of a universal sample collection method that can help solve the diversity issue?
Does not require expertise and or special equipment to collect a sample
A universal method that allows self-collection applicable for every population segment from premature babies to any age regardless of gender and medical status
Can be easily transported and stored at room temperature for elongated periods of time
Provides high quality gDNA with low bacterial DNA contamination
Has small size footprint for easy transport and storage
Can be used in remote areas
Relatively economical to collect and process
iSWAB checks all of these requirements and more, making it a true universal sample collection technology!
How does iSWAB work?
Rub the inside of your cheek with a swab or cytobrush
Insert the swab inside the iSWAB device to release the content of the swab head into the stabilizing buffer
Take the swab out from the device and through it in the garbage
Close the iSWAB device
Ready to ship in a standard mailing envelope at room temperature
Swabs are known to be a universal sample collection tool but lacked gDNA quantity and quality. Using it with iSWAB resolves this issue and thus making accessibility of samples from across the globe regardless of age, medical condition or level of education. iSWAB is bringing diversity back to genetic and multi-OMICS research.
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