If you do not have the proper vial and solutions, then you get better preservation by letting the sample air dry (as long as the sample is wet, bacteria and mold can attack it). Then place the sample in a clean, new envelope or brown kraft paper bag - never plastic. Do not package it while still wet. If possible, wear latex gloves while taking the sample, and don't touch it, breath or cough or sneeze on it, etc. Diana > From: Jane Murtishaw Lindsey > Sent: Sunday, October 13, 2013 10:37 PM > To: autosomal-dna@rootsweb.com > Subject: [AUTOSOMAL-DNA] Storing DNA when a person dies > > Regarding the message below about using cotton swabs and sealing in a > plastic bag. An autosomal match of mine did that with her father and > later tried to submit it to FTDNA. She was told that putting it in a > plastic bag contaminated it and it would not be usable. > Does anyone else have information regarding saving DNA samples? > > Jane