Abstract: The invention generally relates to methods for assessing risk of bone fracture. In certain embodiments, methods of the invention involve a) conducting an assay to determine a characteristic of keratinized tissue obtained from a mammal, b) analyzing at least one bone-fracture risk factor associated with the mammal, and c) correlating results from steps (a) and (b), thereby assessing the risk of bone fracture of a bone of the mammal.

Abstract: The invention generally relates to methods for assessing risk of bone fracture. In certain embodiments, methods of the invention involve a) conducting an assay to determine a characteristic of keratinized tissue obtained from a mammal, b) analyzing at least one bone-fracture risk factor associated with the mammal, and c) correlating results from steps (a) and (b), thereby assessing the risk of bone fracture of a bone of the mammal.

Abstract: The invention generally relates to methods for assessing risk of bone fracture. In certain embodiments, methods of the invention involve a) conducting an assay to determine a characteristic of keratinized tissue obtained from a mammal, b) analyzing at least one bone-fracture risk factor associated with the mammal, and c) correlating results from steps (a) and (b), thereby assessing the risk of bone fracture of a bone of the mammal.

Abstract: Disclosed are sampling kits and sampling devices and uses of the same. A sampling kit is disclosed including a swab (10) with a handle (12) and a swab head (14). The kit also includes a container (30) with an optional closure (70). Sampling head (14) is detachable from the handle (12) by engaging the sampling head with engagement means and moving the handle with respect to the engagement means. The engagement means may be formed on the closure or on the container. After detachment of the sampling head from the handle, the sampling head remains in the container. The container may then be sealed using sealing means (220). Also disclosed is a sampling kit containing processing means for initiating sample processing of sample collected. The processing means disclosed is an absorbent cover means (88) which allows sample held by the sampling head to transfer to the cover means. In particular, the adsorbent material may be an impregnated paper which is capable of yielding amplifiable nucleic acid from buccal cells.