The US Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) has issued a key patent relating to the physical design that is core to its all-in-one system for the collection, stabilization and transportation of nucleic acids from oral samples for research and molecular diagnostic applications to DNA Genotek, a subsidiary of OraSure Technologies Inc.

US Patent No. 8,221,381, entitled "Container System for Releasably Storing a Substance," issued on July 17, 2012. The patent protects a novel container system which consists of a lid that stores a nucleic acid stabilization chemistry and a vial for receiving a biological sample. After providing a sample, the user closes the container lid and the stabilization chemistry is safely and automatically released. The patented technology is currently implemented in the Oragene and OMNIgene families of products, which are widely known for easy and non-invasive self-collection of high-quality nucleic acids from saliva. Corresponding patents have also been granted in Europe, Mexico, China and Hong Kong and patent applications are still pending in numerous other countries around the world.

“This patent covers a unique feature of DNA Genotek's core products that maximizes the reliability and ease-of-use of our products and has resulted in widespread adoption among researchers and clinicians globally", said Ian Curry, President of DNA Genotek Inc. "The issuance of the patent provides important intellectual property protection for our novel container system and nucleic acid stabilization chemistries and is an important step in further strengthening our position as a leader in DNA collection, stabilization and preparation products.”

DNA Genotek Inc., a subsidiary of OraSure Technologies, Inc. focuses on providing high-quality biological sample collection, stabilization and preparation products.