Molecular Biologist wrote:
If the sample was blood, tons of DNA will be recovered.
If the sample was urine, a small quantity of epithelial cells will have sloughed into the urine and contain a small amount of DNA. Urine itself is acellular and sterile.
DNA amplification (PCR) procedures can utilize sub-nanogram amounts of DNA.
I would assume that the sample is frozen or stored in preservatives such that DNA degradation is not severe. Even so, the test uses small amplification of small fragments of DNA such that ample template exists even in degraded samples.
The genetic assay itself is extremely accurate, since the goal is simply to exclude the athlete as a potential donor of the DNA sample.
Yea yea, I know all about PCR, I was just wondering the state of the cells being released in the urine, and the amount of recoverable DNA that you can obtain from this. I had thought it was a pretty low amount, but I guess not. Obviously if they had blood samples this wouldn't be a problem.
Also what is the chance of contamination, say from sex or something that cells from someone else sorta rub off on that area? I'd have to assumed that IAAF seems quite content with the test, but I just wonder.