Optical characterization of epidermal cells and their relationship to DNA recovery from touch samples.

ABSTRACT: The goal of this study was to investigate the relative contributions of different cellular and genetic components to biological samples created by touch or contact with a surface - one of the most challenging forms of forensic evidence. Touch samples were generated by having individuals hold an object for five minutes and analyzed for quantity of intact epidermal cells, extracellular DNA, and DNA from pelleted cell material after elution from the collection swab. Comparisons were made between samples where individuals had washed their hands immediately prior to handling and those where hand washing was not controlled. The vast majority (84-100%) of DNA detected in these touch samples was extracellular and was uncorrelated to the number of epidermal cells detected. Although little to no ext

SUBMITTER: Stanciu CE 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC4732551 | biostudies-literature | 2015

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature