Anzeige
Erschienen in:
01.08.2015 | Originalien
Optimization strategies for DNA investigations of highly degraded corpses
Disaster victim identification
Erschienen in: Rechtsmedizin | Ausgabe 4/2015
Einloggen, um Zugang zu erhaltenAbstract
Background
The successful post-mortem identification of highly degraded corpses and mass disaster victims using forensic molecular genetic analyses is a challenging task and particularly influenced by the efficacy and evaluation of standard examinations in the laboratory workflow. In many cases only highly degraded soft tissue is present, so that only bones, teeth or nails are available for DNA analysis. A lack of expertise in bone preparation for DNA typing in conjunction with the choice of time-consuming methods often leads to large delays during victim identification.
Objectives
The present study was carried out to provide an alternative method aimed at efficient mechanical grinding of bone and molecular genetic analyses in conjunction with time-minimizing strategies.
Material and methods
The sample batch consisted of diaphysis sections from the femurs of 18 corpses with post-mortem intervals (PMIs) ranging from 1 week to 5.5 years. Time saving was achieved by optimizing sample preparation and genotyping processes (i.e. DNA purification, quantification and STR analysis) in this study.
Results
In comparison with other commonly used procedures, which require 1 to 2 weeks for complete analysis, it was possible to obtain DNA identification profiles in only 2.5 days. Semi-automated sub-processes for certain steps of the complete workflow allowed minimal staffing with a high sample throughput (50 bones per week).
Conclusion
The present workflow supplements existing standard procedures in the laboratory especially in cases where a large number of low quality samples are to be tested and DNA results are urgently needed, e.g. in disaster victim identification (DVI).