NCJ Number
192048
Journal
Journal of Forensic Sciences Volume: 46 Issue: 6 Dated: November 2001 Pages: 1474-1479
Date Published
November 2001
Length
6 pages
Annotation
This study examined the utility of various lip cosmetics for obtaining a DNA profile in forensic examinations; it also investigated the nature of the anomalous fluorescent peaks and artifacts observed, as well as mechanisms by which the artifacts could be removed.
Abstract
Thirty-eight lip cosmetics were obtained from 11 staff, relatives, and friends. Each item was considered to be "in use" by the owner. A total of 25 different brands were tested, which included a wide range of colors and types, including balms, colors, glosses, glazes, a pencil, and sunscreens. Each was gently sampled on and around the edge of the used surface with a sterile cotton swab. DNA was extracted from the swabs with Chelex and then quantified by using the QuantiBlot kit according to the manufacturer's recommendations. DNA profiling was performed with the AmpFISTR Profiler PlusPCR Amplification Kit system in accordance with the manufacturers recommendations, except that the reaction volume was reduced to 25 ml. The research revealed that lip cosmetics are an excellent source of DNA, with almost 80 percent of the samples yielding a result. This procedure should prove useful in missing-persons cases, where it is important to quickly obtain a reference DNA profile from the missing individual, so that DNA profiling comparisons may be made with any forensic specimens subsequently recovered; however, fluorescent artifacts that have the potential to mask real alleles were observed in almost 50 percent of the samples when Chelex extraction was used. Additional purification was required to ensure that they could be quantified and amplified, so the DNA profile could be interpreted reliably. There was also a high rate of nonreproducible allelic imbalance seen in the profiles generated, even when fluorescent artifacts were not observed. Care should also be taken when obtaining buccal swabs to ensure that lipstick does not contaminate the sample. 2 tables and 9 references