Which of the following is NOT a method of specimen collection?

The correct answer is that genetic profiling is not a method of specimen collection. While genetic profiling is an important procedure in laboratory medicine used to analyze an individual's DNA for various purposes, such as identifying genetic disorders or predispositions to diseases, it does not refer to a method of collecting specimens.

In contrast, urine collection, blood draw, and swabbing are all established techniques for obtaining biological samples for testing. Urine collection involves the gathering of urine for analysis, typically to assess kidney function, detect drug use, or diagnose urinary tract infections. A blood draw is a procedure wherein blood is taken from a vein, usually in the arm, for various tests including metabolic panels, CBC (complete blood count), and more. Swabbing involves taking a sample from a surface or tissue using a sterile swab, commonly used for cultures or to detect infections such as strep throat.

The distinction between these actions lies in their primary functions; collecting specimens is crucial for the initial step in laboratory testing, while genetic profiling is an analytical process performed on already collected genetic material.