Journal Published Online: 01 May 2003
Volume 48, Issue 3

Fingerprints as Evidence for a Genetic Profile: Morphological Study on Fingerprints and Analysis of Exogenous and Individual Factors Affecting DNA Typing

CODEN: JFSCAS

Abstract

Material recovered from 374 fingerprints left by eleven laboratory workers on three different substrates (glass, wood, metal) at a standard pressure time of 30 s, with and without preliminary handwashing, was submitted to morphological, quantitative, and type analysis. Morphological and agarose-gel electrophoresis analysis showed that a non-negligible amount of epidermal corneal cells presented apoptotic alterations. The quantity of DNA recovered from fingerprints ranged between 0.04 to 0.2 ng, and in a significant number of experiments no DNA was detected. Handwashing reduced the amount of DNA recovered from fingerprints. The "shedder status" of the donor was a very important factor, causing inter-individual variations in the amount of DNA left by fingerprints. Spurious alleles from laboratory-based and secondary transfer contamination, stutters, and other artifacts described when analyzing low-copy-number DNA and capable of affecting correct profiles were observed.

Author Information

Alessandrini, F
Università di Ancona, Ancona, Italy
Cecati, M
Università di Ancona, Ancona, Italy
Pesaresi, M
Università di Ancona, Ancona, Italy
Turchi, C
Università di Ancona, Ancona, Italy
Carle, F
Università di Ancona, Ancona
Tagliabracci, A
Università di Ancona, Ancona, Italy
Pages: 7
Price: $25.00
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Details
Stock #: JFS2002260
ISSN: 0022-1198
DOI: 10.1520/JFS2002260