DNA profiles obtained from urine in snow. Issue 1 (December 2019)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Dufva, Charlotte; Karlsson, Emilia; Forsberg, Christina; Ansell, Ricky
• Is Part Of: Forensic science international. Volume 7:Issue 1(2019)
• Page Start: 544
• Page End: 545
• Publication Date: 2019-12
• Subjects: Crime scene -- DNA evidence -- Snow -- Urine; Forensic genetics -- Periodicals; Forensic Genetics -- Periodicals; Electronic journals; 614.1
• DOI: 10.1016/j.fsigss.2019.10.084
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1875-1768

Abstract

Abstract: Urine can be a potential important source of evidence when occurring at crime scenes. In case of outdoor scenes including snow a yellow colour could indicate the existence of human urine. In an effort to be able to investigate urine as a crime scene sample we have evaluated protocols for analysing DNA from urine in snow. Two different tests were performed with a smaller and a larger volume of urine dispensed on snow. The tubes were put into a freezer to mimic winter conditions. A Urine Preservative was added to some of the samples. DNA profiles were compared between samples extracted using a Urine DNA Isolation Kit and samples extracted with a Chelex-based method. In addition, a test was performed with the aim to mimic a potential crime scene. With a smaller volume of urine the best quality DNA profiles were obtained using the Urine DNA Isolation Kit without the Urine Preservative. When a larger volume of urine was handled and in the crime scene setup, there were no clear difference between the two extraction methods. Instead, the variation observed was between individuals.