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A quantitative evaluation of two methods for preserving hair samples

January 1, 2003

Hair samples are an increasingly important DNA source for wildlife studies, yet optimal storage methods and DNA degradation rates have not been rigorously evaluated. We tested amplification success rates over a one-year storage period for DNA extracted from brown bear (Ursus arctos) hair samples preserved using silica desiccation and -20C freezing. For three nuclear DNA microsatellites, success rates decreased significantly after a six-month time point, regardless of storage method. For a 1000 bp mitochondrial fragment, a similar decrease occurred after a two-week time point. Minimizing delays between collection and DNA extraction will maximize success rates for hair-based noninvasive genetic sampling projects.

Publication Year 2003
Title A quantitative evaluation of two methods for preserving hair samples
DOI 10.1046/j.1471-8286.2003.00358.x
Authors David A. Roon, L.P. Waits, K.C. Kendall
Publication Type Article
Publication Subtype Journal Article
Series Title Molecular Ecology Notes
Index ID 70025909
Record Source USGS Publications Warehouse
USGS Organization Northern Rocky Mountain Science Center