title: The propensity of individuals to deposit DNA and secondary transfer of low level DNA from individuals to inert surfaces.
abstract: We have shown that there is a difference between individuals in their tendency to deposit DNA on an item when it is touched. While a good DNA shedder may leave behind a full DNA profile immediately after hand washing, poor DNA shedders may only do so when their hands have not been washed for a period of 6h. We have also demonstrated that transfer of DNA from one individual (A) to another (B) and subsequently to an object is possible under specific laboratory conditions using the AMPFISTR SGM Plus multiplex at both 28 and 34 PCR cycles. This is a form of secondary transfer. If a 30 min or 1h delay was introduced before contact of individual B with the object then at 34 cycles a mixture of profiles from both individuals was recovered. We have also determined that the quantity and quality of DNA profiles recovered is dependent upon the particular individuals involved in the transfer process. The findings reported here are preliminary and further investigations are underway in order to further add to understanding of the issues of DNA transfer and persistence.
authors.affiliation: Forensic Science Service (FSS), 2960 Trident Court, Solihull Parkway, Birmingham Business Park, Solihull, B37 7YN, Birmingham, UK. all@fss.org.uk
authors.forename: Alex
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Lowe
authors.forename: Caroline
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Murray
authors.forename: Jonathan
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Whitaker
authors.forename: Gillian
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Tully
authors.forename: Peter
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Gill
mesh_terms: D000483:Alleles; D004247:DNA / Q000032:analysis* / Q000302:isolation & purification*; D016172:DNA Fingerprinting / Q000379:methods*; D005260:Female; D006235:Hand Disinfection; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D016133:Polymerase Chain Reaction; D013997:Time Factors
chemical_list: D004247:DNA