Abstract
Decontamination strategies and their efficiencies are crucial when performing routine forensic analysis, and many factors influence the choice of agent to use. In this study, the effects of ten different cleaning strategies were evaluated to compare their ability to remove contaminating DNA molecules. Cell-free DNA or blood was deposited on three surfaces (plastic, metal, and wood) and decontaminated with various treatments. The quantities of recovered DNA, obtained by swabbing the surfaces after cleaning using the different strategies, was analyzed by real-time PCR. Large differences in the DNA removal efficiencies were observed between different cleaning strategies, as well as between different surfaces. The most efficient cleaning strategies for cell-free DNA were the different sodium hypochlorite solutions and Trigene®, for which a maximum of 0.3% DNA was recovered on all three surfaces. For blood, a maximum of 0.8% of the deposited DNA was recovered after using Virkon® for decontamination. The recoveries after using these cleaning strategies correspond to DNA from only a few cells, out of 60 ng of cell-free DNA or thousands of deposited blood cells.
Highlights
DNA analysis of trace evidence can present many challenges in a forensic investigation, such as samples that contain low quantities of biological material and degraded DNA.improved typing kits for forensic analysis may allow STR profiling on DNA extracted from only a few cells [1,2]
This study evaluates the decontamination efficiency of ten different cleaning strategies: ethanol, UV radiation, ethanol in combination with UV radiation, fresh and stored household bleach, DAX Ytdesinfektion Plus, Rely+OnTM Virkon®, Trigene®, DNA Remover®, and sodium hypochlorite
An evaluation of the decontamination efficiency of ten cleaning strategies was performed by quantifying the amount of mitochondrial DNA recovered after the cleaning of contaminated plastic, metal, and wood surfaces
Summary
DNA analysis of trace evidence can present many challenges in a forensic investigation, such as samples that contain low quantities of biological material and degraded DNA.improved typing kits for forensic analysis may allow STR profiling on DNA extracted from only a few cells [1,2]. Instead of nuclear DNA (nDNA) markers allows testing of even lower DNA input amounts, due to the high copy number of mtDNA in each cell [3,4]. Another challenge, especially when analyzing mtDNA, is that exogenous DNA can be present in the samples and cause ambiguous or erroneous results. The combination of both treatments (EtOH+UV) was much more efficient, with recoveries between 0.6 to 2.9% from the three surfaces, representing the second most efficient strategy for blood.
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
