Collection Of Biological Evidence Research Articles

Prevalence and Recovery of Microorganisms from Containers used for the Collection of Forensic Biological Samples

Background: Microbes play a significant role in the degradation of biological evidence collected for forensic analysis. The present study is aimed to isolate and identify the microbes present inside the empty container used for the biological evidence collection. Methods: Bacterial isolation from the selected containers was done by cotton swab over the inner surface of the containers. Streaking was done on the surface of the three different culture plates as a Blood agar plate, Nutrient plate and MacConkey plate. The plates were placed in an incubator shaker at 37ºC for 48 hours. The colonies grown on the surface of the media were counted on and used for further study. Various biochemical assays were performed to characterize isolated bacteria. Results: Staining results suggested that the presence of Gram-positive stain (Staphylococcus, Bacillus, Corynebacterium, Clostridium) and Gram negative stain (E. coli, Enterobacteriaceae, Pseudomonas, Salmonella, Shigella, Stenotrophomonas, Bdellovibrio, Acetic acid bacteria). The Catalase and Coagulase test suggested the presence of Staphylococcus aureus, S. epidermis and S. sapropyticus. Moreover, the indole test suggested the presence of Citrobacter koseri, Kebsiella oxytoca, Proteus vulgaris etc. Some of the bacteria were urea metabolizing, including Proteus spp, Helicobacter pylori, Cryptococcus spp, Corynebacterium spp. Conclusion: This study recommends that there should be proper maintenance of the chain of custody from the collection to analysis so that evidence properly prevents degradation or contamination in the biological evidence. Extra care is needed for the collection and packing of biological evidence from the crime scene. Moreover, the collection containers, if left wide open, lead to contamination and degradation of biological evidence.

Application of Trace Biological Evidence Collection Kit in DNA Examination of Trace Bloodstain Samples from the Scene.

Objective To evaluate the effects of DNA examination of trace bloodstain samples from the scene collected with Trace Biological Evidence Collection kit. Methods Venous blood was made into bloodstains on the ground. The trace bloodstain samples were collected with Trace Biological Evidence Collection kit and common methods, respectively. DNA examination of trace bloodstain samples （50 from each group） was conducted on the constant temperature shaker for 2, 24, 48, 72, and 96 h, respectively, and the examination results of every group were compared. Results When the trace bloodstain samples were placed on the constant temperature shaker for 24, 48, 72, and 96 h, the DNA detection rates in the group which used Trace Biological Evidence Collection kit （100.00%, 100.00%, 100.00%, 96.00%） were significantly higher than those in the group using common methods （62.00%, 26.00%, 10.00%, 0）, the differences had statistical significance （P<0.05）. When the trace bloodstain samples were placed on the constant temperature shaker for 2 h, the differences of DNA detection rates between the two groups had no statistical significance （ P>0.05）. Conclusion The Trace Biological Evidence Collection kit can effectively improve DNA detection rate and extend detection time limit for trace bloodstain samples from the scene that have been stored for a relatively long time.

Exploring On-site Biological Evidence Collection during the Epidemic Period of COVID-19.

新型冠状病毒肺炎流行期的现场生物物证取证初探.摘 要：.法医学；法医遗传学；新型冠状病毒肺炎；现场勘验；样本；DNA提取；安全防护.

Clinical forensic medicine in Eastern Denmark: Organisation and assessments.

Internationally, clinical forensic medicine (CFM) is diverse in content and conduct, and forensic medical methods are not always evidence based. The first step towards evidence-based practice is to achieve a thorough knowledge of international diversity, which necessitates that CFM practitioners provide information about their national practice. This paper’s aim is to describe the organisation of CFM in Denmark, exemplified by the set-up in Eastern Denmark, and the types of assessments performed. In Denmark, forensic medicine is a board-certified specialty under the health authorities, with mandatory qualifications. The Danish Accreditation Fund accredits the Departments of Forensic Medicine as inspection bodies, according to an international European standard that is approved by Danish Standards. Mainly at police request, forensic doctors perform examinations of both victims and suspected perpetrators of perilous crimes. The examinations’ purposes are documentation and assessment of the findings and collection of biological evidence. The clinical forensic examinations do not include any treatment or medical follow-up. Thus, the forensic doctors must be neutral, objective and impartial. The clinical forensic examinations provide documentation of findings and conclusions not otherwise available for the police investigation and legal aftermath. Moreover, the accredited, standardised protocols ensure that the Departments of Forensic Medicine meet their obligations as inspection bodies, thus ensuring public confidence in the departments’ services.

Tissue storage solution for preservation and transfer of forensic specimen in high ambient-temperature

Storage of tissue samples in high ambient-temperature can affect the quality of forensic evidence. Experiments were conducted to investigate the potential use of 3 tissue storage solutions for the preservation and transfer of forensic specimen in high ambient temperature conditions, i.e., DMSO, Longmire’s buffer, and trehalose solution. Results showed that DNA in tissue was best preserved in DMSO buffer. Samples preserved in Longmire’s buffer gave DNA analysis results for temperatures up to 60 °C, however, amplification between replications were not reproducible. For those tissue samples preserved in trehalose solution, DNA markers larger than 300 bp were absent, and irreproducible amplification results were detected at a higher level when the storage temperature increased, and storage time was over 2 weeks. Tissue storage condition at high temperature over 1 week is not recommended. Experimental results here provided an alternative collection and preservation method for tissue samples at ambient temperature (without cold-storage) for subsequent DNA analysis. These can potentially be implemented in forensic biological evidence collection, preservation and transfer in hot climates.

Physical integrity and latest legislative changes in Albania

In 2016 Albania went through a major justice reform which provided legislative changes to the already existing institutions, established new ones and sought to improve the procedural guarantees of the accused in criminal trials. While the Albanian Code of Criminal Procedure prior to the changes did not provide for biological evidence or a medical intervention in the course of a criminal investigation, the new legislative changes introduced the concepts of biological evidence and the compulsory physical examination as part of tools in search of the evidence. Even though the draft amendments to the previous Albanian Code of Criminal procedure recognized the problems encountered in practice during the collection of biological evidence vis à vis individual’s rights to personal integrity and dignity, the application of newly introduced and enacted provisions remains still unclear and raises concerns, not only regarding the possible arbitrary use of such tools by law enforcement authorities, but also on the possible conflicts that can arise from the application of such procedures by medical examiners and physicians and the fundamental rights of the person under examination or undergoing the medical procedure/intervention.

Contribution to the Development of Guidelines in the Analysis of Biological Evidence in Sexual Assault Investigations.

This investigation intends to study materials and techniques used for biological evidence collection in sexual assault cases and is divided into two stages: in stage one, methods for biological evidence collection (the single swab (including three variants) and the "double swab technique") were compared; in stage two, swabs' component material was compared. The sampling was composed of 42 heterosexual couples who provided mock samples. The collection methods in which the whole swab is covered by evidence presented significantly better outcomes (p<0.001), such as the "double swab technique." Additionally, nylon swabs proved to present significantly better features regarding the capacity of sample elution, providing significantly higher amounts of DNA (p≤0.034). This study provides guidelines for better collection of biological evidence regarding the collection method using a swab and the proper swab material to utilize.

Nondestructive Biological Evidence Collection with Alternative Swabs and Adhesive Lifters

In forensic science, biological material is typically collected from evidence via wet/dry double swabbing with cotton swabs, which is effective but can visibly damage an item's surface. When an item's appearance must be maintained, dry swabbing and tape-lifting may be employed as collection techniques that are visually nondestructive to substrates' surfaces. This study examined the efficacy of alternative swab matrices and adhesive lifters when collecting blood and fingerprints from glass, painted drywall, 100% cotton, and copy paper. Data were evaluated by determining the percent profile and quality score for each STR profile generated. Hydraflock(®) swabs, BVDA Gellifters(®) , and Scenesafe FAST™ tape performed as well as or better than cotton swabs when collecting fingerprints from painted drywall and 100% cotton. Collection success was also dependent on the type of biological material sampled and the substrate on which it was deposited. These results demonstrated that alternative swabs and adhesive lifters can be effective for nondestructive DNA collection from various substrates.

Swabs as DNA Collection Devices for Sampling Different Biological Materials from Different Substrates

Currently, there is a variety of swabs for collection of biological evidence from crime scenes, but their comparative efficiency is unknown. Here, we report the results of an investigation into the efficiency of different swab types to collect blood, saliva and touch DNA from a range of substrates. The efficiency of extracting blood and saliva from each swab type was also tested. Some swabs were significantly more effective than others for sampling biological materials from different substrates. Swabs with the highest sampling efficiency, however, often did not have the highest extraction efficiency. Observations were recorded regarding practicality of each swab in a variety of situations. Our study demonstrates that selection of sampling device impacts greatly upon successful collection and extraction of DNA. We present guidelines to assist in evaluation of swab choice.

Drug‐facilitated sexual crime by use of ketamine and diazepam by a gynaecologist

Drug facilitated crimes (DFCs) can be defined as criminal acts carried out by means of administering a substance to a person with the intention of impairing behaviour, perceptions, or decision-making capacity. It also extends to taking advantage of an impaired person after voluntary intake of an incapacitating substance. Crimes include robbery, money extortion, and maltreatment of the elderly, children, or mentally ill patients. Rape or other types of sexual assault are referred to as drug facilitated sexual assault (DFSA). In DFSA cases, the victim is subjected to a sexual act without legal consent as a result of the pharmacological effects of alcohol and/or drug(s). A large number of psychoactive substances have the potential to alter the victim’s state of mind, alcohol being the number one candidate because of its widespread use. Illicit drugs, psychoactive prescription drugs and even over-the-counter medicines are also likely candidates, either consumed alone or in combination with alcohol. The resulting pharmacological effects may include relaxation, euphoria, and lack of inhibition on the one hand and drowsiness, loss of motor function, unconsciousness, and amnesia on the other hand. Information on the frequency of DFC cases is scarce but there has been a significant increase in reports worldwide. However, several factors complicate the registration of the actual number of DFSA cases. Governmental statistics show a general underreporting of sexual assault crimes. The impact that central nervous system depressant drugs have on memory and consciousness might lead to a situation where the victim is not able to remember what has actually happened and chooses not to report the incident. If the incident is reported, police officers often assume that the victim was simply drunk rather than drugged. If an investigation is initiated, the delay between the collection of biological evidence and the alleged assault can be between several hours and more than a day. This case report describes a DFSA case in a medical setting: a gynaecologist was suspected of assaulting a young patient after drug administration. In the presented case, the time delay between the alleged assault and the sampling was 30 h. Evidence collection via a standardized sampling kit and the choice of sample in such cases is discussed. The analytical strategy is described with regard to the choice of methods, uncertainty measurement, and limitations of the methods which are important during interpretation of the analytical results. Finally, interpretation of this specific case, but also interpretation issues of DFSA cases in general, is discussed.

Non-fatal gunshot wounds in the context of intimate partner violence. The importance of a multidisciplinary approach: A case report

According to Portuguese law, if a case of intimate partner violence is noticed or suspected by a professional working in public services, reporting it to the police, medico-legal services or directly to the public prosecutor is mandatory. However, in most cases, reporting does not take place, despite its vital importance in triggering the multidisciplinary intervention that will ensure the correct and timely diagnosis and protection of the victim. In the present case, the victim, a 37 year-old woman, was sexually and physically abused by her husband in their home, and was physically abused again at the victim’s mother’s house. The victim mentioned that her husband struck her in the head with a hammer and shot a handgun while in her mother’s house. However, she denied having a gunshot wound. The couple’s daughter was also slapped in the face by her father. The police took the victim to the emergency room of a central hospital to receive medical attention, while the medical examiner on duty was called to the same emergency room to perform a medico-legal evaluation in the context of the intimate partner violence reported to the police. Medico-legal assessment revealed scalp injuries that had not been detected during the first inspection by the emergency room attending physicians who had performed a neurological examination, which revealed no neurological dysfunction. A cranial computed tomography with three-dimensional reconstitution and virtual dissection, requested by the medical examiner, revealed two projectiles trapped in between the inner and the outer table of the cranium, with linear fractures only in the inner table and no brain injuries. Gynecological examination with the collection of biological evidence, also performed by the medical examiner, made it possible to identify a male DNA profile matching her husband’s. The victim was subjected to neurosurgery and a follow-up, and was released one month after the traumatic event. A forensic psychological evaluation, performed one month after the traumatic event, revealed the presence of reactive symptoms to the occurrence. This multidisciplinary intervention and the use of modern diagnosis imaging techniques allowed for a timely diagnosis and treatment, adequate protection of the victim and her family, as well as the identification of the aggressor, who was arrested.

SANE/SART Services for Sexual Assault Victims: Policy Implications

A study of 530 sexual assault cases from three jurisdictions tested the efficacy of sexual assault nurse examiner/sexual assault response team (SANE/SART) programs as a tool in the criminal justice system. Policy implications from the findings recommend a SANE training curriculum for the rape examination and biological evidence collection; SANE/SART programs for a multidisciplinary effort in the investigation and prosecution of cases, alternative disposition for cases whereby the victim and offender know each other, and a risk management plan for combating recidivism.

Training and development needs of medical practitioners involved in the medico-legal examination of survivors of sexual assault.

However, very little attention has been paid in this research to the training and development needs of the medico-legal practitioners involved in the clinical examination of survivors of sexual assault. These practitioners play a very important role in the chain of events leading up to the criminal prosecution and indeed even the successful prosecution of the perpetrator. The accuracy with which specimens are taken and clinical findings noted is therefore of utmost importance. It has been noted that for every 394 women raped, only 1 perpetrator is successfully convicted. 2 One of the reasons given for this low prosecution rate is poor collection of biological evidence from the survivor. 3

Forensic identification of a murderer by LCN DNA collected from the inside of the victim's car

In this paper, we report a real case of a murder, committed in northern Italy whose culprit was identified through unusual evidences. The scene of crime did not show any traces. There were no signs of sexual assault on the body. The cause of death was determined to be manual strangulation. The investigators focused their attention inside the victim's car because they found some stains, to be presumably referred to blood. Subsequently, the victim's car was transferred to our lab for the analysis. In order to collect some sweat/skin residuals of the murderer, the surface of the steering wheel, as well as the gear lever and the handbrake, were sampled using FTA-Paper. A few days later, the investigators sent to our lab the oral swab of a suspect. A complete female profile of 15 STRs was obtained from blood stains on the upholstery and in the ashtray. The same complete male profile of 15 STRs was obtained from the sweat/skin residuals collected from the surface of the steering wheel and the gear lever. This profile was recognized as identical to that of the saliva obtained from the suspect who, afterwards, confessed the crime. These results are very important as they highlight that it is possible to type even low copy number (LCN) DNA if a proper and immediate collection of biological evidence is performed.