Dna Identity Testing Laboratory

DNA Identity Testing Laboratorysource of DNA. The type ofsample selected to
Although it may seem outlandish at first thought,perform the experiment was eyebrow hair. As
it is becoming more common that questions ofopposed to hair from the scalp, eyebrow hair
relationship surface at or around the passing of atends to be thicker in diameter and, therefore,has
relative. Manytimes, the issue is personal, thata more substantial root.
perhaps a biological relationship was neverIn nuclear DNA testing, any type of hair must
established with the now deceased relative, orhave an intact root in order for nuclear DNA to
was uncertain. In other situations,the issue maybe obtained. The selection of eyebrow hair over
regard legal matters, such as inheritance ofhair from the scalpwas also due to the fact that
assets. Whatever the questions or reasons maymany hair products have been found to act as
be,PCR (polymerase chain reaction) inhibitors, which
DNA testing laboratories are experiencing acan prevent successful amplificationof DNA (one
greater number of cases involving decedents.of the steps in DNA testing).
So, then the question of how to determine theThe experiment involved eyebrow hair samples
relationship arises. Of course, DNA testing is the(with roots) taken from 15 embalmed cadavers,
answer, but what type of sample can be collectedages 20 years to 75 years. The time that the
after a personis deceased? In theory, any humansamples were takenafter embalmment ranged
biological tissue, which contains nucleated cells,from 8 to 24 hours. The result was that, from all
may be used for the purpose ofsamples, a full DNA profile was obtained. This is
DNA testing. However, many factors may affectremarkable because, in many cases,non-standard,
the viability of a sample. If it is decided that DNAforensic samples yield only partial DNA profiles.
testing is necessary and a deceasedindividual is toHowever, in this experiment, again, full profiles
be a test participant, if at all possible, a DNAwere obtained from every sample. Prior to
sample should be secured immediately, at orthisexperiment, other experiments were
around the time of death. Otherwise, it mayperformed with other types of samples, nail
thenbecome more difficult to obtain a viableclippings for instance, with inconsistent results.
DNA sample. Unless the cause of death isThe
underinvestigation, most bodies will be releasedDNA Identity Testing Laboratory of Bio-Synthesis,
from a morgue to an undertaker, if opted,Inc. has, in the past, dealt with manycases where
relatively quickly. Upon release to an undertaker,a decedent was required to have DNA testing
embalmment, if opted, willthen take place ratherperformed, and the body may have had to be
quickly, as well. The chemicals in embalming fluidexhumed. This process is not only invasive
contaminate the tissues of the body. This poses aandtime-consuming, it may be a distressing
problem if a DNA sample is to becollected from adecision to make by a family member. By
decedent, for the purpose of DNA testing.recognizing the need for DNA testing early on,
Recognizing the need to find a solution to thislong and complicated measuresmay be avoided.
problem, the DNA Identity Testing Laboratory ofFamily members of a decedent can then rest
Bio-Synthesis, Inc. underwent an experiment.assured knowing that not only is their loved one
Since it is widelyknown that after embalmment,at peace, they will also have peace of mind
the soft tissue of the body will not be adequateinfinally having the answer to their questions of
for DNA testing, the lab had to identify a uniquerelationship.