A Possible Source of Reference DNA from Archived Treated Adhesive Lifters

Abstract

During the course of a double murder trial, it became apparent that the two adhesive lifters from the two cadavers had been mislabeled before being presented in court. The question was raised whether DNA testing from the biological material remaining attached to the lifters could resolve this mix-up. In fatal shooting cases where a bullet has been fired through a body surface, an adhesive lifter is applied directly to the entrance wound. The total nitrite residues, as well as biological material surrounding the wound (blood, hair, tissue) are transferred to the adhesive lifter. The nitrite residues are used for estimating firing distance. In a worst-case scenario, the biological material on the lifter may be the only remaining reference material from a victim. In this paper, we examined whether the biological material retrieved from adhesive lifters could be used for DNA typing after the lifters had been treated for GSR pattern. In as much as the biological material found on the lifters can be typed and profiled following physical and chemical treatment, we submit that archived adhesive lifters can be used as a future source of reference DNA from cadavers where no other sample is available.

Non-blood sources of cell-free DNA for cancer molecular profiling in clinical pathology and oncology

“…Skin lifts are a promising source of non-blood tumoral DNA. In previously mentioned studies, all the genetic profiles generated from skin lifts and swabs were consistent with their corresponding buccal swab and blood samples, indicating that both body regions and recovery methods yield accurate profiles (Zamir et al, 2004;Kopka et al, 2011). The accuracy of these newer techniques is necessary for future evaluations of the diagnostic value of the tumoral DNA recovered from alternative non-blood sources.…”

“…blood samples) with the advantages of new, less invasive sampling materials to ensure the largest possible inclusion of subjects or volunteers in the studies. In particular, some attempts have been made to collect reference samples from skin surface cells (Zamir et al, 2004;Kopka et al, 2011) supporting this methodology as easy and simple in an accessible area. Such a method could be extremely useful among certain cultures (e.g., in the Middle East), where the use of traditional samples or buccal swabs can be considered invasive or is otherwise socially unacceptable.…”

Evaluation of Skin Surface as an Alternative Source of ReferenceDNASamples: A Pilot Study

“…The type and method of DNA reference sample collection is very important in the progression of the science of DNA analysis. The analysis of a DNA reference sample is not only valuable in the forensic identification of individuals but also plays a fundamental role in large‐scale epidemiological studies as well as in the construction of human DNA databases .…”

“…These trials attempted to overcome the disadvantages of traditional samples and benefit from the advantages of new samples, but the main reason was to insure participation of the largest proportion of subjects or volunteers in the study. Some attempts have been made to collect reference samples from skin surface cells (SSC) . These studies justify this because it is easy, simple, and in an accessible area.…”

DNA Recovery From Tape‐Lifting Kits: Methodology and Practice

“…The exploitation of adhesive tapes for the purpose of DNA analysis has been broadly documented , adhesive tapes being applied directly onto the body or onto clothing. The approach described in this paper differs from those published in the literature in four ways.…”