PCR-based forensic testing of DNA from stained cytological smears

Experiments were performed to evaluate the efficiency of PCR-STR (Short Tandem Repeats) and PCR-sequence polymorphisms for the identification of stained pap smears and postcoital slides stained with cytological and forensic techniques. HLA-DQA1, PolyMarker, Amelogenin, HUMTH01, HUMVWFA31, HUMF13B, and HUMFES/FPS were determined. With the exception of the forensic Baecchi stain, all the PCR-systems gave consistent results in comparison with the reference blood from the donors. Cytological stained smears can be important evidence for identification in sexual assault cases and in missing person cases.