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Published on: March 9, 2015
Evaluation of tapelifting as a collection method for touch DNA
Timothy J Verdon1, R John Mitchell, Roland A H van Oorschot
1Office of the Chief Forensic Scientist, Victoria Police Forensic Services Centre, 31 Forensic Drive, Macleod, Victoria 3085, Australia; Department of Genetics, La Trobe Institute for Molecular Sciences, La Trobe University, Melbourne, Victoria 3086, Australia.
Forensic tapelifting for touch DNA collection is more effective with stronger adhesive tapes like Scenesafe FAST. Multiple tape applications improve DNA yield, but excessive sampling can decrease efficiency, suggesting optimal collection strategies for fabric substrates.
Area of Science:
- Forensic Science
- Molecular Biology
- Trace Evidence Analysis
Background:
- Tapelifting is a common method for collecting touch DNA from fabrics in forensic investigations.
- Limited data exists on the comparative effectiveness of different tapes, optimal application numbers, and comparison to swabbing for DNA recovery.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the efficacy of two distinct adhesive tapes (Scotch Magic and Scenesafe FAST) for touch DNA collection from various fabric types.
- To determine the impact of multiple tape applications on DNA yield and profile quality.
- To compare the effectiveness of tapelifting versus swabbing for touch DNA recovery from different fabric substrates.
Main Methods:
- Touch DNA was deposited on four fabric types (cotton flannelette, cotton drill, polyester/cotton, polyester strapping).
- Samples were collected using Scotch Magic tape, Scenesafe FAST tape, or wet/dry cotton swabs, with varying numbers of tape applications.
- Extracted DNA was quantified, and profiles were generated to assess yield and allele detection.
Main Results:
- Scenesafe FAST tape yielded significantly more DNA and a higher proportion of alleles compared to Scotch Magic tape.
- Repeated tape applications generally increased DNA amount and allele detection, up to a collection threshold.
- Tapelifting with Scenesafe FAST outperformed swabbing for DNA and allele recovery on most tested fabrics, except flannelette.
Conclusions:
- Stronger adhesive tapes, such as Scenesafe FAST, are recommended for touch DNA collection from fabrics.
- Multiple tape applications are beneficial, but efficiency may decrease with excessive sampling.
- Tapelifting is generally advantageous over swabbing for fabric substrates, unless the fabric has loose fibers that can be easily dislodged.
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