The level of DNA an individual transfers to untouched items in their immediate surroundings

Lucas Puliatti; Oliva Handt; Duncan Taylor

doi:10.1016/j.fsigen.2021.102561

The level of DNA an individual transfers to untouched items in their immediate surroundings

Lucas Puliatti, Oliva Handt, Duncan Taylor

Research output: Contribution to journal › Article › peer-review

18 Citations (Scopus)

Abstract

Due to advances in DNA profiling sensitivity as well as the implementation of various types of software to analyse these profiles, forensic biologists can provide opinions about results generated from very low levels of template DNA. The ability to obtain DNA profiles from such ‘trace’ DNA brings into question the mechanisms of transfer which led to it being deposited. This study investigates the level of DNA that is deposited by an individual to their work environment. DNA collection plates were placed at distances from 0.5 to 5 m from individuals’ office desks and left for 1 day to 6 weeks before being swabbed and profiled with GlobalFiler. The results from this study indicate that an individual can deposit DNA in areas they were present, even if surfaces and/or objects were not directly contacted and even after only one day. Distance from a person, the length of time and the person themselves all play a role in the quantity of DNA that is deposited to one's surroundings.

Original language	English
Article number	102561
Number of pages	7
Journal	Forensic Science International: Genetics
Volume	54
DOIs	https://doi.org/10.1016/j.fsigen.2021.102561
Publication status	Published - Sept 2021

Keywords

Activity level reporting
DNA transfer
Shedder
Trace-DNA diffusion

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title = "The level of DNA an individual transfers to untouched items in their immediate surroundings",

abstract = "Due to advances in DNA profiling sensitivity as well as the implementation of various types of software to analyse these profiles, forensic biologists can provide opinions about results generated from very low levels of template DNA. The ability to obtain DNA profiles from such {\textquoteleft}trace{\textquoteright} DNA brings into question the mechanisms of transfer which led to it being deposited. This study investigates the level of DNA that is deposited by an individual to their work environment. DNA collection plates were placed at distances from 0.5 to 5 m from individuals{\textquoteright} office desks and left for 1 day to 6 weeks before being swabbed and profiled with GlobalFiler. The results from this study indicate that an individual can deposit DNA in areas they were present, even if surfaces and/or objects were not directly contacted and even after only one day. Distance from a person, the length of time and the person themselves all play a role in the quantity of DNA that is deposited to one's surroundings.",

keywords = "Activity level reporting, DNA transfer, Shedder, Trace-DNA diffusion",

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AU - Puliatti, Lucas

AU - Handt, Oliva

AU - Taylor, Duncan

PY - 2021/9

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AB - Due to advances in DNA profiling sensitivity as well as the implementation of various types of software to analyse these profiles, forensic biologists can provide opinions about results generated from very low levels of template DNA. The ability to obtain DNA profiles from such ‘trace’ DNA brings into question the mechanisms of transfer which led to it being deposited. This study investigates the level of DNA that is deposited by an individual to their work environment. DNA collection plates were placed at distances from 0.5 to 5 m from individuals’ office desks and left for 1 day to 6 weeks before being swabbed and profiled with GlobalFiler. The results from this study indicate that an individual can deposit DNA in areas they were present, even if surfaces and/or objects were not directly contacted and even after only one day. Distance from a person, the length of time and the person themselves all play a role in the quantity of DNA that is deposited to one's surroundings.

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KW - Shedder

KW - Trace-DNA diffusion

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The level of DNA an individual transfers to untouched items in their immediate surroundings

Abstract

Keywords

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