Recovery of Trace DNA on Clothing: A Comparison of Mini‐tape Lifting and Three Other Forensic Evidence Collection Techniques. Issue 1 (16th November 2016)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Hess, Sabine; Haas, Cordula
• Is Part Of: Journal of forensic sciences. Volume 62:Issue 1(2017)
• Page Start: 187
• Page End: 191
• Publication Date: 2016-11-16
• Subjects: forensic science -- contact stains -- trace DNA -- touch DNA -- DNA collection technique -- mini‐tapes -- crime scene investigation -- DNA analysis; Medical jurisprudence -- Periodicals; Forensic sciences -- Periodicals; Forensic Medicine -- Periodicals; Gerechtelijke geneeskunde; Gerechtelijke chemie; Gerechtelijke psychiatrie; 363.2505
• DOI: 10.1111/1556-4029.13246
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0022-1198

Abstract

Abstract: Trace DNA is often found in forensic science investigations. Experience has shown that it is difficult to retrieve a DNA profile when trace DNA is collected from clothing. The aim of this study was to compare four different DNA collection techniques on six different types of clothing in order to determine the best trace DNA recovery method. The classical stain recovery technique using a wet cotton swab was tested against dry swabbing, scraping and a new method, referred to as the mini‐tape lifting technique. Physical contact was simulated with three different "perpetrators" on 18 machine‐washed garments. DNA was collected with the four different DNA recovery methods and subjected to standard PCR‐based DNA profiling. The comparison of STR results showed best results for the mini‐tape lifting and scraping methods independent of the type of clothing. The new mini‐tape lifting technique proved to be an easy and reliable DNA collection method for textiles.