DNA transfer in packaging: Attention required

Abstract

Items from crime scenes are frequently packaged and transported to laboratories for forensic examination. The packaging primarily maintains the integrity of forensic evidence associated with the item by protecting it from contamination and environmental impacts, plus limiting and recording access. There is diversity in the types of packaging used. We are aware that DNA-containing material may transfer from an item to the internal side of packaging and/or from one area of an item to another area, potentially limiting generation of good quality DNA profiles and/or affecting their interpretation. However, the level of transfer risk is unclear, as are the main impacting factors. It is thus highly relevant to improve our understanding of these. Here we explore what commonly applied standards prescribe regarding packaging requirements to maintain the integrity of DNA on a packaged item, conduct further studies confirming the risk of transfer, and suggest packaging features requiring research considerations that may limit the risk of DNA transfer within packaging.