Efficiency of Buccal DNA sampling device in the mortuary
Journal Article
2015-08-31
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Authors
Journal Title
Journal of Forensic Investigation
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Avens Publishing Group
Publisher
University of Cape Town
Department
Faculty
Series
Abstract
Identification of forensic DNA samples by short tandem repeat
(STR) profiling is currently an essential component of criminal
investigations and can aid in linking perpetrators to crimes as well as
identifying missing individuals or unidentified remains. In South Africa,
recent amendments to legislation have allowed for the mandatory
acquisition of reference DNA samples from certain offenders in order to
populate the new National Forensic DNA Database. A novel method
for the collection of buccal samples, the EasiCollect device, has been
proposed to facilitate the collection of these DNA samples, replacing
blood collecting devices as the standard method of DNA collection.
Subsequently, this device has been introduced into South African
state mortuaries to assist in the identification of deceased individuals.
In order to ascertain if this device is suitable for use in the postmortem
setting, an investigation was performed to compare the main
methodology currently utilised within South African mortuaries, namely
femoral blood transferred to ‘Fast Technology for Analysis of nucleic
acids’ (FTA) cards, and buccal cells obtained using the EasiCollect
device. DNA yields and STR genotyping results were compared
between the two collection methods in thirty deceased individuals.
Buccal samples provided a significantly greater DNA yield than blood
samples, while no significant difference was observed between the
qualities of the sample types as measured by the 260/280 nm ratio. Full
STR profiles were obtained from all blood and buccal samples, with
amplification efficiency showing limited DNA degradation and PCR
inhibition in these samples, and only 3% of samples giving potentially
disputable results. Numerous issues surrounding the collection of blood
samples, however, indicated that this method is not optimal for use in
the mortuary, with the EasiCollect device providing a more practical
and robust method for the collection of DNA samples in the mortuary
Description
Reference:
Tredouw, S.; Mfolozi, S. & Shires, K. (2015). Efficiency of Buccal DNA Sampling Device in the Mortuary. Journal of Forensic Investigation, 3(2), 6