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Updated: May 20, 2026
DNA Extraction from Paraffin Embedded Material for Genetic and Epigenetic Analyses
Published on: March 26, 2011
High quality genomic DNA extraction from postmortem fetal tissue
S Addison1, N J Sebire, A M Taylor
1Academic Neonatology, Institute for Women's Health, University College London, London, UK.
Objective:
We examined the yield and quality of genomic deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) extracted from various postmortem fetal tissues.
Methods:
Fetal tissues were collected at the time of autopsy, and DNA was subsequently extracted. The yield and DNA quality was assessed using ultraviolet spectrometry and agarose gel electrophoresis. We used polymerase chain reaction (PCR) to assess the DNA extracted for genomic testing.
Results:
The median (range) gestation of the fetuses was 22 (16-41) weeks and the postmortem interval was 5.5 (2-10) days. Non-degraded genomic DNA was successfully extracted from all fetal tissues. Liver tissue had the lowest quality and muscle the highest quality. DNA yield or purity was not influenced by the postmortem interval.
Conclusion:
High quality genomic DNA can be extracted from fetal muscle, despite postmortem intervals of several days.
