title: DNA collection from used toothbrushes as a means to decedent identification.
abstract: Comparison of DNA profiles is often used in verifying the identification of deceased human beings when other easier, quicker, and less expensive means to identification are not possible. Fifty-five adult subjects divided into 3 groups provided a used toothbrush along with a small bloodstain control for DNA analysis and comparison. Results indicate that there is no significant difference in the quantity and quality of DNA recovered from a toothbrush that has been used for 1 month versus 3 months versus random periods. The results of this study confirm earlier conclusions that a used toothbrush is a reliable source of antemortem DNA from a putative decedent. The use of aviation snips to remove a small portion of the toothbrush head provides an easy, inexpensive method of obtaining a sample for DNA extraction. The authors recommend this method as a standardized technique for use in forensic DNA laboratories.
authors.affiliation: Alberta Department of Justice, Office of the Chief Medical Examiner, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada. lbriemer@gmail.com
authors.forename: Lowell B
authors.initials: LB
authors.lastname: Riemer
authors.forename: Diane
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Fairley
authors.forename: David
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Sweet
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D016022:Case-Control Studies; D004247:DNA / Q000032:analysis / Q000302:isolation & purification*; D016172:DNA Fingerprinting / Q000379:methods*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D014099:Toothbrushing / Q000295:instrumentation*
chemical_list: D004247:DNA