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Typeability of DNA in Touch Traces Deposited on Paper and Optical Data Discs
Ireneusz Sołtyszewski1, Michał Szeremeta2, Małgorzata Skawrońska2
1Department of Criminalistics and Forensic Medicine, University of Warmia and Mazury in Olsztyn, Poland.
Background:
Nucleated epithelial cells that are transferred by casual touching and handling of objects are the primary source of biological evidence that is found in high-volume crimes. Cellular material associated with touch traces usually contains low levels of DNA template making it challenging to acquire an informative profile.
Objectives:
The main purpose of this study was to examine the efficacy of DNA typing in fingerprints deposited on optical data discs and the office paper.
Material And Methods:
Latent fingerprints were made by 60 subjects of both sexes (30 males and 30 females). A highly effective DNA extraction method with QIAamp DNA Mini Kit (Qiagen) and an increased sensitivity PCR by AmpFlSTR® NGM™ Amplification Kit (Applied Biosystems) carried out at standard 30 cycles and at increased 34 cycles were used.
Results:
The mean value of total DNA recovery was 0.4 ng from CDs/DVDs and 0.3 ng from the office paper. Amplification of Low Template DNA (LT-DNA) resulted in improved analytical success by increasing the number of PCR cycles from standard 30 to 34. On the other hand, the increased PCR cycles resulted in allele drop-ins showing additional peaks, the majority of which were outside the stutter positions.
Conclusions:
Rigorous procedures and interpretation guidelines are required during LT-DNA for producing reliable and reproducible DNA profiles for forensic purposes.
