OTTAWA, ON, June 1, 2012. DNA Genotek, a subsidiary of
OraSure Technologies Inc. and a leading provider of products for biological sample collection,
stabilization and preparation, today announced that its’ Oragene?DNA saliva collection kit has
been selected by ScotlandsDNA, a new genetic testing company specializing in Scottish
ancestry.
ScotlandsDNA aims to open a new perspective on the history of Scotland and the Scots by
revealing the secrets written in DNA. Scotland is a nation of men and women of tremendously
diverse origins – with strong Celtic, Viking, Norman and Anglo-Saxon influences. This richness
can be characterized by DNA testing and using an aggregate of many individual stories, a genetic
history of Scotland can be created.
Oragene•DNA is ideal for personal genomic testing applications like ancestry as it solves sample
collection challenges inherent with traditional collection methods such as swabs and blood.
Traditional methods are often too costly and invasive or do not provide adequate quantity and
quality of DNA. Oragene•DNA also enables companies to send DNA collection kits via the mail
for individuals to provide a DNA sample from the comfort and convenience of their home. Once
the DNA sample is collected and returned by mail, the testing and analysis is carried out at the
Queen Mary University of London Genome Centre. A custom-designed Illumina chip is used
containing thousands of ancestry-informative markers spanning the Y chromosome, autosomes
and mtDNA. What makes Scotlands DNA unique is that these markers have been carefully
selected for Scottish ancestry providing resolution other companies can’t match. The company
plans regular updates of their genotyping platform.
“The non-invasive nature of the Oragene•DNA kit and the ease with which you can collect and
mail samples makes it ideal for our business and will enable us to access many more people than
otherwise possible,” said Dr. Jim Wilson, Scientific Director, ScotlandsDNA. “From an Oragene
saliva sample, our scientists can trace an individual’s ancestry over many thousands of years and
through new and developing technology, we can answer a fundamental question – where do we
come from?”
“The decision by ScotlandsDNA to use Oragene•DNA is additional validation that our saliva
collection kits are delivering leading performance for personal genomic applications,” said Ian
Curry, President, DNA Genotek Inc. “Oragene•DNA enables easy and non-invasive self-collection
of saliva samples from large numbers of people and delivers high quality DNA. With the help of
DNA collected using our product, ScotlandsDNA can open exciting new frontiers in Scotland’s
genetic landscape.”
About DNA Genotek:
DNA Genotek Inc., a subsidiary of OraSure Technologies, Inc. (NASDAQ: OSUR), focuses on
providing high-quality biological sample collection, stabilization and preparation products. The
company’s Oragene®?Dx product line is the only FDA 510(k) cleared saliva-based collection kit
for in vitro diagnostic use. DNA Genotek also offers Research Use Only products to collect and
preserve large amounts of DNA or RNA from saliva for use with humans, animals or livestock.
The reliability and ease-of-use of the company’s products have resulted in rapid adoption at top-
tier health research institutions globally, including Harvard, Stanford, Cambridge, and Johns
Hopkins. DNA Genotek markets its products worldwide and has a global customer base with
thousands of customers in over 100 countries. For more information about DNA Genotek, visit
www.dnagenotek.com
For information about this press release contact:
Shauna White
DNA Genotek Inc.
613-723-5757 ext. 307
shauna.white@dnagenotek.com
® Oragene is a registered trademark of DNA Genotek Inc. All other brands and names contained herein are the property of their respective owners. Oragene•DNA is not available for sale in the United States.