Evaluation of the urinary bladder swabs as a source of DNA for human identification using two different extraction methods

Abstract

Identification by DNA offers the ability to identify and compare individuals, including determining whether or not there is a genetic link between them. In events involving disaster victim identification (DVI), several biological samples can be used as source of DNA for genetic analyzes. However, many factors may affect the integrity of the genetic material obtained. The aim of this study was to verify the viability of using swabs from the inner mucosa of urinary bladder as a source of DNA to the identification of bodies without evident signs of decomposition by comparing two different methods of DNA extraction (organic versus Chelex® resin). Our results showed the viability of using swabs from the inner mucosa of the urinary bladder as DNA source of human identification, because besides showing reproducible and reliable results, this type of sample allows significant reductions in time and cost required for analysis.