| DNA Identity Testing Laboratory | | | | had to identify a unique source of DNA. The |
| | | | type ofsample selected to perform the |
| Although it may seem outlandish at first | | | | experiment was eyebrow hair. As opposed to |
| thought, it is becoming more common that | | | | hair from the scalp, eyebrow hair tends to be |
| questions of relationship surface at or | | | | thicker in diameter and, therefore,has a more |
| around the passing of a relative. Manytimes, | | | | substantial root. |
| the issue is personal, that perhaps a | | | | |
| biological relationship was never established | | | | In nuclear DNA testing, any type of hair must |
| with the now deceased relative, or was | | | | have an intact root in order for nuclear DNA |
| uncertain. In other situations,the issue may | | | | to be obtained. The selection of eyebrow hair |
| regard legal matters, such as inheritance of | | | | over hair from the scalpwas also due to the |
| assets. Whatever the questions or reasons | | | | fact that many hair products have been found |
| may be, | | | | to act as PCR (polymerase chain reaction) |
| | | | inhibitors, which can prevent successful |
| DNA testing laboratories are experiencing a | | | | amplificationof DNA (one of the steps in DNA |
| greater number of cases involving decedents. | | | | testing). |
| | | | |
| So, then the question of how to determine the | | | | The experiment involved eyebrow hair samples |
| relationship arises. Of course, DNA testing | | | | (with roots) taken from 15 embalmed cadavers, |
| is the answer, but what type of sample can be | | | | ages 20 years to 75 years. The time that the |
| collected after a personis deceased? In | | | | samples were takenafter embalmment ranged |
| theory, any human biological tissue, which | | | | from 8 to 24 hours. The result was that, |
| contains nucleated cells, may be used for the | | | | from all samples, a full DNA profile was |
| purpose of | | | | obtained. This is remarkable because, in |
| | | | many cases,non-standard, forensic samples |
| DNA testing. However, many factors may | | | | yield only partial DNA profiles. However, in |
| affect the viability of a sample. If it is | | | | this experiment, again, full profiles were |
| decided that DNA testing is necessary and a | | | | obtained from every sample. Prior to |
| deceasedindividual is to be a test | | | | thisexperiment, other experiments were |
| participant, if at all possible, a DNA sample | | | | performed with other types of samples, nail |
| should be secured immediately, at or around | | | | clippings for instance, with inconsistent |
| the time of death. Otherwise, it may | | | | results. |
| thenbecome more difficult to obtain a viable | | | | |
| | | | The |
| DNA sample. Unless the cause of death is | | | | |
| underinvestigation, most bodies will be | | | | DNA Identity Testing Laboratory of |
| released from a morgue to an undertaker, if | | | | Bio-Synthesis, Inc. has, in the past, dealt |
| opted, relatively quickly. Upon release to | | | | with manycases where a decedent was required |
| an undertaker, embalmment, if opted, willthen | | | | to have DNA testing performed, and the body |
| take place rather quickly, as well. The | | | | may have had to be exhumed. This process is |
| chemicals in embalming fluid contaminate the | | | | not only invasive andtime-consuming, it may |
| tissues of the body. This poses a problem if | | | | be a distressing decision to make by a family |
| a DNA sample is to becollected from a | | | | member. By recognizing the need for DNA |
| decedent, for the purpose of DNA testing. | | | | testing early on, long and complicated |
| | | | measuresmay be avoided. Family members of a |
| Recognizing the need to find a solution to | | | | decedent can then rest assured knowing that |
| this problem, the DNA Identity Testing | | | | not only is their loved one at peace, they |
| Laboratory of Bio-Synthesis, Inc. underwent | | | | will also have peace of mind infinally having |
| an experiment. Since it is widelyknown that | | | | the answer to their questions of |
| after embalmment, the soft tissue of the body | | | | relationship. |
| will not be adequate for DNA testing, the lab | | | | |