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Field contamination of skeletonized human remains with exogenous DNA

Suni M Edson1, Alexander F Christensen

  • 1Armed Forces DNA Identification Laboratory, 115 Purple Heart Drive, DAFB, DE 19902, USA. Suni.M.Edson@us.army.mil

Journal of Forensic Sciences
|September 22, 2012
PubMed

Insights

Contamination is a challenge when identifying missing service members using mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) from skeletal remains. Laboratory controls effectively prevent reporting of modern contaminant DNA as authentic remains.

Area of Science:

  • Forensic Science
  • Molecular Biology
  • Genetics

Background:

  • The Armed Forces DNA Identification Laboratory analyzes over 800 skeletal samples annually for the Joint POW/MIA Accounting Command.
  • Analysis focuses on mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) from degraded skeletal remains of missing U.S. service members.

Observation:

  • Field collection of skeletal remains presents challenges in preventing modern DNA contamination.
  • Exogenous DNA transfer can occur during sample collection and processing.

Findings:

  • Four cases illustrate the potential for contamination in skeletal DNA analysis.
  • Laboratory controls successfully identified and eliminated contaminant DNA in these cases.
  • Controls prevented the false reporting of exogenous DNA from faunal or human sources lacking endogenous DNA.

Implications:

  • Robust laboratory protocols are crucial for accurate identification of remains.
  • Effective contamination controls ensure the integrity of forensic DNA identification.
  • This work supports the accurate identification of missing service members.

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