

forensicGEM™ Saliva is a kit specifically developed for extracting DNA from buccal swabs.
With the forensicGEM™ Saliva kit, technicians can produce high quality DNA samples with high-throughput automation during a closed-tube procedure that protects the integrity of the DNA from the saliva samples.
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Extraction Method
Sample Preparation
All manipulations should be performed in a clean room or a PCR hood. Use only certified DNA-free tubes and reagents and wash surfaces likely to come into contact with the samples in 0.05% hypochlorite bleach. Rinse thoroughly with DNA-free water.
Wash the buccal swab in the minimum amount of DNA-free water to cover the swab. Typically, a cotton swab requires 400-500 µl. Use a rolling action against the tube sides and squeeze the swab against the tube to remove as much of the liquid as possible.
1. In a thin-walled PCR tube add (agitate suspension prior to adding the following):
2. Incubate at 75°C for 15 minutes.
3. Incubate at 95°C for 5 minutes. A thermal cycler can be used for this step
The sample is now ready for quantification and analysis.
Technical Tips
Typical Results
DS Profile

Figure 1: Typical AmpFlSTR® Identifiler™ PCR Amplification Kit (Applied Biosystems) profile from a buccal swab of a male subject. 2 µl of extract was used in a standard Identifiler PCR.
Yield of DNA
TOTAL YIELD: ng per µl ¼ swab |
175 ± 101.5 |
235 ± 88.9 |
CONC. in extract ng /µl |
1.8 ± 1.02 |
2.4 ± 0.89 |
Table 1:The yields were calculated for forensicGEM™ using both a blot-based system, ABI Quantiblot® and a qPCR method, Quantifiler®. Sample size = ¼ of a swab. Final Volume forensicGEM™ extraction = 100 µl
Quantifiler® Traces

Figure 2: Blue: Examples of Quantifiler® traces from forensicGEM™ buccal swab extracts. Four extractions are shown. Red: Standards generated using the manufacturer's DNA
Yield of DNA

Figure 3: Yields from buccal swabs (four individuals) using forensicGEM™ and other extraction methods. Error bars are one standard deviation.