title: Comparison of methods for collection of DNA samples by mail in the Black Women's Health Study.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  The authors compared approaches to participants and methods of collecting buccal cell samples by mail in the Black Women's Health Study, a follow-up study of geographically dispersed African-American women. Outcomes of interest were within group participation rates, yield of DNA, and PCR success.
  
  
  METHODS
  Six hundred fifty six participants were randomized to four groups: Groups 1 and 2 used the cheek swab method and Groups 3 and 4 used the mouthwash swish method. Groups 1 and 3 were mailed collection kits together with consent forms, whereas Groups 2 and 4 were mailed a kit only after returning a signed consent.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Participation rates were similar regardless of the method used for sample collection or mailing of the kits: samples were returned by 40% of Group 1, 37% of Group 2, 36% of Group 3, and 35% of Group 4. The median DNA yield was 3693 ng/sample for the swab method and 10,077 ng/sample for the mouthwash swish method (p<0.001). PCR analyses were successful in 98% of mouthwash samples and 94% of swab samples.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Because of its higher yield of DNA, the mouthwash swish method is preferable for collection of buccal cell samples by mail.
authors.affiliation: Slone Epidemiology Center, Boston University School of Public Health, Boston, MA 02215, USA. ycozier@slone.bu.edu
authors.forename: Yvette C
authors.initials: YC
authors.lastname: Cozier
authors.forename: Julie R
authors.initials: JR
authors.lastname: Palmer
authors.forename: Lynn
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Rosenberg
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D001741:Black or African American / Q000235:genetics* / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D001900:Boston; D004247:DNA / Q000032:analysis*; D003625:Data Collection / Q000379:methods; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008875:Middle Aged; D009061:Mouth Mucosa / Q000166:cytology*; D009067:Mouthwashes; D009369:Neoplasms; D016133:Polymerase Chain Reaction; D011177:Postal Service; D013048:Specimen Handling / Q000379:methods*; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D016387:Women's Health
chemical_list: D009067:Mouthwashes; D004247:DNA