The efficiency of DNA extraction kit and the efficiency of recovery techniques to release DNA using flow cytometry

•About 61% of DNA coming from 100 cells, keratinocytes, is recovered using the Lyse&Spin-QIAamp DNA Mini Kit.•About 23% of DNA is recovered using the combination of the QIAshredder and QIAamp DNA Mini kit and the Microcon® 30 column.•The extraction efficiencies of the Lyse&Spin-QIAamp DNA Mini Kit obtained by two different laboratories are similar.•The FLOQSwab™ allows releasing about 97% of the cells attached to it.