BLOOD VS BUCCAL

The National DNA Data Bank will accept one of three types of samples: blood, buccal or hair. However, it has been our experience that blood samples provide the best source of DNA with the least amount of reprocessing or the need for obtaining a new sample from the offender. There are many reasons for this but typically the high success rate is undoubtedly due to proper sample collection and the relative amount of DNA present in a blood drop. Hair and buccal although valid samples are not easily collected and often do not yield adequate quantities of DNA following laboratory analysis. Consequently, this could lead to the need for re-sampling which represents additional cost to the police and laboratory as well as an increased delay for processing the sample, obtaining a good result and making a match with ongoing case investigations. From a processing and efficiency perspective the blood stain card is the ideal sample for the National DNA Data Bank . Unless there is a very specific reason not to take a blood sample (ie. medical condition) we would recommend this is the sample of choice.

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