Solid Support for Sample Collection

Abstract

The present invention relates to means for collection of biological samples. Specifically, the present invention provides a solid support for collection, storage and subsequent analysis of a biological sample as well as methods for use of the solid support of the invention and a kit comprising the solid support of the invention.

1 . A solid support for collecting a biological sample wherein said solid support comprises a dye selected from the group comprising:
 (a) Alizarin Red   (b) Methylene blue   (c) Reactive blue 4   (d) Alcian blue   (e) Indigo carmine; and   (f) Bromophenol blue.   
     
     
         2 . The solid support as defined in  claim 1 , wherein said solid support is selected from the group comprising cellulose based paper, woven or non-woven fibrous materials, including man made, or naturally occurring polymer fibres such as an alginate, mineral fibre based materials such as glass fibre materials. 
     
     
         3 . (canceled) 
     
     
         4 . The solid support as defined in  claim 1 , wherein said solid support is chemically impregnated with said dye. 
     
     
         5 .- 7 . (canceled) 
     
     
         8 . The solid support as defined in  claim 1 , wherein said solid support comprises more than one of said dyes. 
     
     
         9 . The solid support as defined in  claim 8 , wherein said more than one dye is selected from Alizarin Red and Alcian blue; or Alizarin Red and Indigo Carmine; or Alcian blue and Indigo Carmine. 
     
     
         10 . The solid support as defined in  claim 1 , wherein said solid support further comprises one or more nucleic acid stabilisation chemicals. 
     
     
         11 .- 13 . (canceled) 
     
     
         14 . The solid support as defined in  claim 10 , wherein said nucleic acid stabilisation chemicals comprise a weak base, a chelating agent, an anionic surfactant, an anti-oxidant. 
     
     
         15 .- 18 . (canceled) 
     
     
         19 . The solid support as defined in  claim 14 , wherein said nucleic acid stabilisation chemicals are Tris HCl, EDTA, SDS and uric acid. 
     
     
         20 . The solid support as defined in  claim 10 , wherein said one or more nucleic acid stabilisation chemicals comprises a chaotrope. 
     
     
         21 . The solid support as defined in  claim 20 , wherein said chaotrope is a guanidinium salt. 
     
     
         22 .- 38 . (canceled) 
     
     
         39 . A method for collecting a biological sample wherein said method comprises applying a biological sample to a solid support wherein said biological sample and said solid support are as defined in  claim 1 . 
     
     
         40 . A method for biological profiling wherein said method comprises the method for collecting a biological sample as defined in  claim 39 , followed by assaying for cellular matter comprised in said biological sample. 
     
     
         41 . The method as defined in  claim 40 , wherein said cellular matter comprises a nucleic acid. 
     
     
         42 . The method as defined in  claim 40 , wherein said assaying comprises PCR. 
     
     
         43 .- 45 . (canceled) 
     
     
         46 . The method as defined in  claim 41 , wherein said assaying comprises quantitative amplification. 
     
     
         47 .- 52 . (canceled) 
     
     
         53 . The method as defined in  claim 40 , wherein said cellular matter is present on said solid support during said assaying step. 
     
     
         54 . (canceled) 
     
     
         55 . Use of a solid support as defined in  claim 1  in the collection of a biological sample. 
     
     
         56 . A kit for collection of a biological sample as defined in  claim 1  wherein said kit comprises the solid support and instructions for carrying out the method.