Touch DNA collection from improvised explosive devices: A comprehensive study of swabs and moistening agents

Abstract

Improvised explosive devices (IEDs) are used in devastating terrorist attacks worldwide and daily in Thailand. Touch DNA deposited during IED assembly are subjected to intense heat and pressure, resulting in rare events of usable DNA profiles obtained from real casework. No study has simultaneously evaluated both swab brands and moistening agents for touch DNA collection from substrates encountered in IED evidence. In this study, we investigated the effects of swab brands and moistening agents on DNA collection from adhesive tape, a common IED substrate. A full factorial design using four cotton swab brands (two forensic and two medical cotton swabs) and six moistening agents (DNA-free water, phosphate-buffered saline, ethanol, sodium dodecyl sulfate, isopropanol, and lysis buffer) was employed (24 total combinations). Using buffy coats, we found that DNA recovery depended on both swab brands and moistening agents (p<0.05). The optimal method recovered significantly higher DNA amount from real IED cases compared to the standard Royal Thai Police method. Percentages of high partial profiles also increased. Our results changed the standard operating protocol of the Thai police. Other commonly found substrates from IED cases are being investigated to maximize the evidential value obtained from touch DNA.