title: High quality genomic DNA extraction from postmortem fetal tissue.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  We examined the yield and quality of genomic deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) extracted from various postmortem fetal tissues.
  
  
  METHODS
  Fetal tissues were collected at the time of autopsy, and DNA was subsequently extracted. The yield and DNA quality was assessed using ultraviolet spectrometry and agarose gel electrophoresis. We used polymerase chain reaction (PCR) to assess the DNA extracted for genomic testing.
  
  
  RESULTS
  The median (range) gestation of the fetuses was 22 (16-41) weeks and the postmortem interval was 5.5 (2-10) days. Non-degraded genomic DNA was successfully extracted from all fetal tissues. Liver tissue had the lowest quality and muscle the highest quality. DNA yield or purity was not influenced by the postmortem interval.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  High quality genomic DNA can be extracted from fetal muscle, despite postmortem intervals of several days.
authors: Academic Neonatology, Institute for Women's Health, University College London, London, UK.
authors: S
authors: S
authors: Addison
authors: N J
authors: NJ
authors: Sebire
authors: A M
authors: AM
authors: Taylor
authors: D
authors: D
authors: Abrams
authors: D
authors: D
authors: Peebles
authors: C
authors: C
authors: Mein
authors: P B
authors: PB
authors: Munroe
authors: S
authors: S
authors: Thayyil
mesh_terms: D001344:Autopsy; D004247:DNA / Q000302:isolation & purification*; D004526:Efficiency; D005333:Fetus / Q000737:chemistry* / Q000378:metabolism; D005820:Genetic Testing / Q000592:standards*; D015894:Genome, Human; D005865:Gestational Age; D006321:Heart / Q000196:embryology; D006801:Humans; D007668:Kidney / Q000737:chemistry / Q000196:embryology / Q000378:metabolism / Q000473:pathology; D008099:Liver / Q000737:chemistry / Q000196:embryology / Q000378:metabolism / Q000473:pathology; D009132:Muscles / Q000737:chemistry / Q000196:embryology / Q000378:metabolism / Q000473:pathology; D009206:Myocardium / Q000737:chemistry / Q000378:metabolism / Q000473:pathology; D016133:Polymerase Chain Reaction / Q000379:methods; D011786:Quality Control
chemical_list: D004247:DNA