NCJ Number
183383
Journal
Journal of Forensic Sciences Volume: 44 Issue: 3 Dated: May 1999 Pages: 630-633
Date Published
May 1999
Length
4 pages
Annotation
This article describes identifying a skeleton using DNA from teeth and a PAP smear.
Abstract
The article features a case involving an adult skeleton which exhibited extensive, complex dental restorative treatment. A putative identification of the skeleton as a missing woman was established using circumstantial evidence found at the scene. However, it became important to establish a positive identification using reliable scientific methods. Antemortem dental records were not available because the treatment had been completed in another country and the treating dentist could not be found. Cytological smears stained with Papanicolaou (PAP) stain from the putative decedent’s medical records were used as a reference DNA sample. DNA was recovered from the teeth of the skeleton using cryogenic grinding. Comparison of the genotypes resulted in the conclusion that the DNA originated from the same source. The use of PAP smears in this way is a valuable resource in cases in which positive identification using traditional dental and medical records is not possible. Figures, table, references