Abstract: The present invention generally relates to a sample receiving device for releasably storing a substance. The sample receiving device includes a lid having a reservoir for retaining the substance, and a pierceable barrier sealing the substance within the reservoir; and b) a funnel for receiving a sample and configured for closure by the lid. The funnel is configured for releasable attachment to a sample receptacle such that a sample can be provided to the funnel and travel through the channel in the funnel into the sample receptacle. Further, the funnel includes one or more cutting ribs for cutting the pierceable barrier such that upon cutting of the pierceable barrier the substance is released from the reservoir, flows through the channel in the funnel and into the sample receptacle to be mixed with the sample. The present invention also provides a kit for collecting and storing biomolecules.

Abstract: A sample collection tool comprises a collection end configured for collecting a sample. Optionally, the sample is collected from within a body cavity of an animal without causing significant discomfort or injury to the animal. A first handle portion has a first end connected to the collection end and a second end. A second handle portion is connected to the second end of the first handle portion by a breakable connection. The second end of the first handle portion has at least one winglet. The at least one winglet is compliant in a preferential direction. The breakable connection is ruptured at least in part when the at least one winglet is forced in the preferential direction.

Abstract: The present invention generally relates to a sample receiving device for releasably storing a substance. The sample receiving device includes a lid having a reservoir for retaining the substance, and a pierceable barrier sealing the substance within the reservoir; and b) a funnel for receiving a sample and configured for closure by the lid. The funnel is configured for releasable attachment to a sample receptacle such that a sample can be provided to the funnel and travel through the channel in the funnel into the sample receptacle. Further, the funnel includes one or more cutting ribs for cutting the pierceable barrier such that upon cutting of the pierceable barrier the substance is released from the reservoir, flows through the channel in the funnel and into the sample receptacle to be mixed with the sample. The present invention also provides a kit for collecting and storing biomolecules.

Abstract: A closure for a container has a closure body having a first cylindrical portion and a second cylindrical portion opposite the first portion. The closure also has a connector disposed in at least one of the first and second portions. The connector is adapted to connect one of a sample collection device and an applicator to the closure. A containing apparatus including the closure, a container, and optionally one of a sample collection device and an applicator is also disclosed. A method of using the containing apparatus is also disclosed.

Abstract: The present invention provides an aqueous composition and method for extracting nucleic acid from a sample of bodily fluid, such as saliva, such that the nucleic acid within said sample remains stable for at least fourteen days at room temperature. The composition permits direct use of the extracted and stored DNA in an amplification reaction without further processing.

Abstract: A sample collection tool comprises a collection end configured for collecting a sample. Optionally, the sample is collected from within a body cavity of an animal without causing significant discomfort or injury to the animal. A first handle portion has a first end connected to the collection end and a second end. A second handle portion is connected to the second end of the first handle portion by a breakable connection. The second end of the first handle portion has at least one winglet. The at least one winglet is compliant in a preferential direction. The breakable connection is ruptured at least in part when the at least one winglet is forced in the preferential direction.

Abstract: An aqueous composition comprising a denaturing agent, a chelator, a buffering agent and a protease for the extraction of nucleic acid from a sample of bodily fluid, such as saliva, such that the extracted nucleic acid is stable for at least fourteen days at room temperature and can be directly utilized in an amplification reaction without further processing. In particular, said composition comprises SDS, Cyclohexanediamine tetraacetate, Tris-HCl and proteinase K. A method and kit for the amplification of DNA directly from a bodily fluid, comprising said composition, is further provided.

Abstract: A closure for a container has a closure body having a first cylindrical portion and a second cylindrical portion opposite the first portion. The closure also has a connector disposed in at least one of the first and second portions. The connector is adapted to connect one of a sample collection device and an applicator to the closure. A containing apparatus including the closure, a container, and optionally one of a sample collection device and an applicator is also disclosed. A method of using the containing apparatus is also disclosed.

Abstract: The present invention generally relates to a sample receiving device for releasably storing a substance. The sample receiving device includes a lid having a reservoir for retaining the substance, and a pierceable barrier sealing the substance within the reservoir; and b) a funnel for receiving a sample and configured for closure by the lid. The funnel is configured for releasable attachment to a sample receptacle such that a sample can be provided to the funnel and travel through the channel in the funnel into the sample receptacle. Further, the funnel includes one or more cutting ribs for cutting the pierceable barrier such that upon cutting of the pierceable barrier the substance is released from the reservoir, flows through the channel in the funnel and into the sample receptacle to be mixed with the sample. The present invention also provides a kit for collecting and storing biomolecules.

Abstract: The present invention provides an aqueous composition and method for extracting nucleic acid from a sample of bodily fluid, such as saliva, such that the nucleic acid within said sample remains stable for at least fourteen days at room temperature. The composition permits direct use of the extracted and stored DNA in an amplification reaction without further processing.

Abstract: The present invention provides an aqueous composition comprising SDS, Cyclohexanediamine tetraacetate, Tris-HCl and proteinase K for the extraction of nucleic acid from a sample of bodily fluid, such a saliva, wherein the extracted nucleic acid is stable for at least fourteen days at room temperature The composition permits direct use of the extracted and stored DNA in an amplification reaction without further processing.

Abstract: The present invention provides a composition and method for stabilizing ribonucleic acid (RNA) from biological samples such that the ribonucleic acid within the sample remains stable at room temperature. The composition comprises an anionic detergent and a buffering agent at a pH of about 5 to about 8.2 and is used in methods for extracting and storing ribonucleic acid from the biological sample.

Abstract: An aqueous composition comprising a denaturing agent, a chelator, a buffering agent and a protease for the extraction of nucleic acid from a sample of bodily fluid, such as saliva, such that the extracted nucleic acid is stable for at least fourteen days at room temperature and can be directly utilised in an amplification reaction without further processing. In particular, said composition comprises SDS, Cyclohexanediamine tetraacetate, Tris-HCl and proteinase K. A method and kit for the amplification of DNA directly from a bodily fluid, comprising said composition, is further provided.