Critical Evaluation of Touch DNA Recovery Methods for Forensic Purposes

HARTLESS, Sophie, WILLIAMS, Graham and WALTON-WILLIAMS, Laura (2019) Critical Evaluation of Touch DNA Recovery Methods for Forensic Purposes. Forensic Science International: Genetics Supplement Series. ISSN 1875-1768

Preview

Text Hartless FSIGENSS pre-proof.pdf - AUTHOR'S ACCEPTED Version (default) Available under License Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivatives 4.0 International (CC BY-NC-ND 4.0). Download (592kB) | Preview

Abstract or description

Over the past decade there has been a significant increase in the number of submissions of ‘touch DNA’ evidence to forensic laboratories. Previous research has indicated that analysis of these samples produces low success rates. Published research, as well as case work review by forensic practitioners, has also indicated more consideration of how to improve the evidential value of ‘touch
DNA’ samples is needed. Therefore, this research aims to critically evaluate low level DNA recovery methods in order to maximise efficiency for forensic identification purposes. Typical evidential items, such as plastic handled screwdrivers, aluminium cans, drinking glasses and wooden handles,
were handled in a mock-operational trial. The deposited DNA was recovered from these items using a range of swabbing materials including cotton, polyester and foam. These samples then underwent quantitative PCR analysis and were profiled using AmpFLSTR™ NGM SElect™. The DNA quantity and quality were compared and a statistically significant differences were found to be present between
recovery methods with the foam swab recovering more donor alleles overall.

Item Type:	Article
Faculty:	School of Law, Policing and Forensics > Criminal Justice and Forensic Science
Depositing User:	Graham WILLIAMS
Date Deposited:	25 Oct 2019 09:16
Last Modified:	24 Feb 2023 13:57
URI:	https://eprints.staffs.ac.uk/id/eprint/5927

Actions (login required)

View Item