title: The prevalence of mixed DNA profiles on fingernail swabs.
abstract: There is a general acceptance that cellular material will transfer from one person to another person's fingernails through everyday contact. However, the level or degree of contact required to transfer sufficient cellular material in order to obtain a DNA profile is not known. This study examined swabs from the fingernails of 40 volunteers and compared the DNA profiles obtained to the daily activities of that individual. The majority (78%) of high level profiles obtained were associated with recent intimate contact. However, high level profiles were also obtained from the fingernails of individuals who shared accommodation with their partner, flatmates and/or children. Low level profiles and single profiles were associated with all levels of contact.
authors.affiliation: Centre for Forensic Science, University of Strathclyde, Glasgow, UK.
authors.forename: Edward A
authors.initials: EA
authors.lastname: Dowlman
authors.forename: Nicola C
authors.initials: NC
authors.lastname: Martin
authors.forename: Melanie J
authors.initials: MJ
authors.lastname: Foy
authors.forename: Tobie
authors.initials: T
authors.lastname: Lochner
authors.forename: Tereza
authors.initials: T
authors.lastname: Neocleous
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D004247:DNA / Q000235:genetics* / Q000302:isolation & purification; D016172:DNA Fingerprinting; D005260:Female; D005385:Fingers; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009262:Nails / Q000378:metabolism*; D016133:Polymerase Chain Reaction; D014110:Touch
chemical_list: D004247:DNA