Beware of the possibility of fingerprinting techniques transferring DNA.
Fingerprinting brushes have the potential to collect and transfer DNA during powdering. Squirrel-hair fingerprint brushes exposed to specific sets of saliva stains and brushes used in routine casework were tested for their ability to collect and transfer DNA containing material using standard DNA extraction procedures and AmpFlSTR Profiler Plus amplification and typing procedures. The tests found that the risk of transferring DNA during powdering and having a detrimental impact on the analysis increases if the examiner powders over either biological stains (such as blood or saliva) or very fresh prints and uses more sensitive PCR amplification and typing procedures. We advocate caution when powdering prints from which DNA may also be collected and provide options for consideration to limit the risk of transferred DNA contamination while fingerprinting.
van Oorschot
Roland A H
RA
Forensic Services Department, Victoria Police, La Trobe R&D Park, Forensic Drive, Macleod 3085, Victoria, Australia.
Treadwell
Sally
S
Beaurepaire
James
J
Holding
Nicole L
NL
Mitchell
Robert J
RJ
D001769:Blood; D004247:DNA / Q000302:isolation & purification*; D016172:DNA Fingerprinting; D003878:Dermatoglyphics; D004866:Equipment Contamination; D006801:Humans; D016133:Polymerase Chain Reaction; D012463:Saliva; D014170:Transformation, Genetic
D004247:DNA