The Use of Hemastix Severely Reduces DNA Recovery Using the BioRobot EZ1

• NCJ Number: 234664
• Journal: Journal of Forensic Sciences Volume: 56 Issue: 3 Dated: May 2011 Pages: 733-735
• Author(s): Daniel Petersen, Ph.D.; Marla Kaplan, M.S.
• Date Published: May 2011
• Length: 3 pages
• Publication Format: Article
• Publication Type: Report (Study/Research)
• Language: English
• Country: United States of America

Annotation

This study tested the use of Hemastix in DNA analysis.

Abstract

The choice of reagents for presumptive tests for blood, and subsequent extraction methodologies, can significantly affect both the quantity and quality of purified DNA. Blood samples directly tested with Hemastix yielded less than 1 percent of the DNA recovered from untested samples when purified using the Qiagen BioRobot EZ1 and EZ1 DNA Investigator kit. Full short tandem repeat profiles were obtained from both tested and untested samples, suggesting that the Hemastix reagent(s) affect DNA binding, rather than produce DNA damage. The Hemastix inhibition of DNA yield could be overcome by the addition of MTL buffer to the sample prior to extraction. Laboratories may wish to modify current procedures for extracting blood samples, utilize other extraction/purification methodologies, or inform their submitting agencies to avoid direct exposure of questioned bloodstains to Hemastix reagents. (Published Abstract)