CombiMatrix Launches Buccal Swab DNA Collection as Alternative to Blood Draws for Postnatal Genetic Testing

CombiMatrix Corporation

, a molecular diagnostics company specializing in DNA-based diagnostic services for prenatal, postnatal, and pre-implantation genetic testing today announced the availability of its new Buccal Swab DNA Collection system for the CombiSNP Array for Pediatric Analysis microarray test effective May 1. The collection system uses a cheek swab in lieu of a blood draw, which provides a more comfortable and convenient way to collect samples from neonates and pediatric patients. "Because of our High Touch service-oriented business model, we are constantly looking for ways to improve our offering to physicians and their patients," said Mark McDonough, President and Chief Executive Officer of CombiMatrix. "The Buccal Swab DNA Collection system is particularly helpful to those physicians who do not have in-house phlebotomy services, and must send their patients to a phlebotomy center. Now, the patient's DNA can be collected in the physician's office without the need for a blood draw. The Buccal Swab DNA Collection system saves patients' time, and offers a painless alternative to a blood draw, which is particularly useful when samples need to be collected from neonatal and pediatric patients. We are excited about offering this option and believe that it will open up new testing avenues for office-based physicians who see patients that require microarray testing. This is largely an untapped market for us until now." Sample collection is very easy to perform: simply swab both cheeks, cap the tube, and then invert it to mix the DNA with the special preservative solution. Samples are then sent to the Company's testing laboratory in Irvine, California, where the DNA is extracted and run on the same test platform as the blood samples.