Detecting laboratory DNA contamination using polyester-rayon wipes: A method validation study

► Wipes detected 4.5 × 105 copies DNA surface contamination (LOD: 108 copies). ► Recoveries averaged 22% from surfaces with less than 10% deviation. ► Sensitivity increased with smaller sampled area and smaller extraction volume. ► Differences in lab technique between individuals introduced the greatest variability. ► Greatest DNA loss occurred during sampling (41%) and wipe wash (58%) steps.