Collection of human genomic DNA from neonates: a comparison between umbilical cord blood and buccal swabs

ObjectiveTo compare DNA yield from neonatal umbilical cord blood and buccal swab specimens.Study DesignUmbilical cord blood was obtained at birth in a cohort of women enrolled in a preterm labor study. If cord blood was not obtained, neonatal buccal samples were obtained using the Oragene saliva kits. DNA was extracted from all samples using the QIAamp extraction kits. DNA concentration and yield were compared between umbilical cord blood and buccal swabs.ResultsDNA concentrations from umbilical cord blood (n = 35) was greater than that obtained from buccal swabs (n = 20) (total sample: 209.0 ± 110.7 ng/μL vs 6.9 ± 6.7 ng/μL respectively, P < .001; partial sample: n = 30 cord blood vs n = 11 buccal, 70.0 ± 51.4 ng/μL vs 11.3 ± 6.7 ng/μL, respectively, P < .001) and produced more total DNA (total sample: 116.5 ± 70.8 μg vs 4.2 ± 4.0 μg, P < .001; partial:14.0 ± 10.3 μg vs 1.1 ± 0.7 μg, respectively, P < .001).ConclusionBuccal swabs yield less neonatal DNA than umbilical cord blood specimens.