Comparison of performance of genetics 4N6 FLOQSwabs™ with or without surfactant to rayon swabs.

The collection of traces is the first step in the process of forensic genetics analysis. Currently, several different techniques are used (eg. gauze). Nevertheless, swabbing appears to be the most common of these. In a second step, the sampling devices should allow the use of preliminary tests in combination with an immunological confirmatory test (e.g. Hexagon Obti or Hemdirect). Our previous study shows that sampling with Genetics 4N6FLOQswabs™ coated with surfactant reduces by a factor of at least 100 the detection threshold of blood using two immunological tests. The aim of this work was to compare the ability to recover blood trace and the compatibility with immunological confirmatory test of various Genetics 4N6FLOQswabs™ nylon flocked swabs with or without surfactant. The results obtain in this study show that Genetics 4N6FLOQswabs™ not coated with surfactant and Human DNA free FLOQswabs™ were suitable for the used in combination with immunological blood detection tests. Nevertheless, the Genetics 4N6FLOQswabs™ not surfactant coated give a better blood trace recovery.