CGL Sample Preparation and Handling 2

Question 1

When collecting a buccal swab DNA sample for genealogical testing, how long should the donor refrain from eating, drinking, or smoking beforehand?

Accepted Answer

30 minutes

Answer

Donors should refrain from eating, drinking, or smoking for at least 30 minutes before providing a buccal swab to avoid contamination of the sample.

Question 2

Which environmental factor poses the greatest risk to the long-term integrity of a stored DNA sample?

Accepted Answer

Exposure to heat and UV light

Answer

Heat and UV light cause DNA strand breaks and accelerate degradation, making them the primary environmental threats to stored samples.

Question 3

A genealogist discovers that a donor's saliva sample tube shows a broken seal upon arrival at the lab. What is the correct course of action?

Accepted Answer

Reject the sample and request a new collection

Answer

A compromised seal indicates potential contamination or degradation, so the sample must be rejected and a new one collected to ensure result validity.

Question 4

When preparing archival paper documents for digitization in a genealogical project, which glove material is preferred to avoid damage?

Accepted Answer

Nitrile or cotton gloves

Answer

Nitrile or cotton gloves prevent oils and acids from skin from transferring to paper, while latex can leave residues; bare hands are not recommended.

Question 5

Which of the following DNA sample types is most suitable for situations where a cheek swab cannot be obtained from an elderly or infirm individual?

Accepted Answer

Hair with the root attached

Answer

Hair with the root still attached contains nuclear DNA suitable for genealogical testing, unlike rootless hair which only has mitochondrial DNA.

(CGL) Certified Genealogical Lecturer Practice Test

(CGL) Certified Genealogical Lecturer Practice Test

CGL Sample Preparation and Handling 2