DNA profiles from matchsticks. (29th July 2019)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Martin, Belinda; Blackie, Renee; Linacre, Adrian
• Is Part Of: Australian journal of forensic sciences. Volume 51(2019)Supplement 1
• Page Start: S18
• Page End: S22
• Publication Date: 2019-07-29
• Subjects: Forensic science -- direct PCR -- matchstick -- STR profiling; Law -- Australia -- Periodicals; Forensic sciences -- Periodicals; Forensic Medicine -- Periodicals; 363.2505
• DOI: 10.1080/00450618.2019.1569138
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0045-0618

Abstract

ABSTRACT: Matchsticks may be found in forensic investigations, and here we report on a method to generate informative DNA profiles from a matchstick. Matchsticks were struck or held emulating striking, cellular material was removed using a tape-lift method and DNA profiles were generated from a small portion of the tape-lift using either direct PCR amplification or post-extraction PCR. Performing an extraction from the tape-lift prior to PCR resulted in 62% of profiles being informative, compared with 86% held and 97% struck matchsticks that underwent direct PCR. Incorporation of a tape-lift method into matchstick analysis allows effective collection of cellular material for the generation of genetic information from the striker of the matchstick.