Recovery and Persistence of Salivary DNA on Human Skin

• NCJ Number: 233673
• Journal: Journal of Forensic Sciences Volume: 56 Issue: 1 Dated: January 2011 Pages: 170-175
• Author(s): June Kenna, M.Sc.; Maureen Smyth, Ph.D.; Louise McKenna, Ph.D.; Clare Dockery, M.Sc.; Sean D. McDermott, Ph.D.
• Date Published: January 2011
• Length: 6 pages
• Publication Format: Article
• Publication Type: Report (Study/Research)
• Language: English
• Country: United States of America

Annotation

Salivary DNA is encountered in many crimes, such as sexual assaults and murders. In this study, saliva from three male donors was deposited on the skin of three female recipients.

Abstract

The amount of male salivary DNA remaining on the female skin was measured over a 96-h period using the Quantifiler Y Human Male DNA Quantification Kit. In eight of the nine experiments, a full male DNA profile matching the donor was obtained even after 96 h. In addition, the study showed that the concentration of salivary DNA varied from donor to donor and from day to day. The efficiency of two recovery methods, wet and dry swabbing and minitaping, was compared. The results indicate the tapelift method gave higher DNA recovery. This study also examined the secondary transfer of salivary DNA from skin to fabrics. Cotton and polyester give higher DNA transfer than leather. (Published Abstract) Tables, figure, and references