Journal Published Online: 01 March 1992
Volume 37, Issue 2

Isolation of Deoxyribonucleic Acid (DNA) from Saliva and Forensic Science Samples Containing Saliva

CODEN: JFSCAS

Abstract

Saliva and saliva-stained materials were examined as potential sources of deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) for DNA analysis and identity testing. In this paper, the authors demonstrate that DNA was isolated and DNA banding patterns suitable for DNA typing were obtained from fresh saliva and various saliva-stained materials, such as envelopes, buccal swabs, gags, and cigarettes. Furthermore, DNA and DNA banding patterns were obtained from actual forensic evidentiary samples containing mixed saliva/semen stains. The DNA banding patterns obtained from saliva or saliva-stained material were indistinguishable from the patterns obtained from blood or hair from the same individual. Intact DNA was readily isolated and DNA banding patterns were obtained from saliva stored at −20°C and dried saliva stains stored under varying conditions. We conclude that saliva and saliva-stained material can be good sources of DNA for analysis and for DNA typing in certain forensic settings.

Author Information

Walsh, DJ
Cellmark Diagnostics, Germantown, MD
Corey, AC
Cellmark Diagnostics, Germantown, MD
Cotton, RW
Cellmark Diagnostics, Germantown, MD
Forman, L
Cellmark Diagnostics, Germantown, MD
Herrin, GL
Georgia Bureau of Investigation, Decatur, GA
Word, CJ
Cellmark Diagnostics, Germantown, MD
Garner, DD
Cellmark Diagnostics, Germantown, MD
Pages: 9
Price: $25.00
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Stock #: JFS13248J
ISSN: 0022-1198
DOI: 10.1520/JFS13248J