Concentrating forensic DNA sample extracts on the Microlab® STARlet using the Microlab® monitored multi-flow, positive pressure, evaporative extraction module unit.

A Microlab® Monitored Multi-Flow, Positive Pressure, Evaporative Extraction module ([MPE]2) unit (Hamilton Company, Reno, Nevada, USA) was installed on the Microlab® STARlet Automated Liquid Handler (Hamilton Company, Reno, Nevada, USA) to add sample concentrating capabilities to the Centre of Forensic Sciences' automated workflow. Prior to incorporation of the [MPE]2, forensic samples extracted on the STARlet that required concentration to meet the CFS' amplification threshold were not amplified. Filtering parameters were first optimized, then contamination was assessed, and mock casework studies were completed. There was no evidence of cross contamination or sample loss during sample concentration on the [MPE]2. Extracts from blood, envelope flaps, cigarette butts and drink container swabs were concentrated using the [MPE]2 and amplified using AmpFLSTR™ Identifiler™ Plus (Applied Biosystems™). Profiles were concordant with similar peak heights, whether concentrated manually or with the [MPE]2. Post validation, the [MPE]2 was successfully introduced into casework and in the first year an additional 450 DNA profiles, which previously would not have been amplified, were uploaded to Canada's National DNA Databank.

An integrated system for forensic DNA testing of sexual assault cases in the Philippines.

In the Philippines, more than 7000 cases of sexual assault are reported annually. DNA technology is a powerful tool in identifying assailants. However, it is not routinely used in sexual assault investigations due to insufficient government support to cover the high cost of DNA testing and the absence of a national system for sample collection, handling, storage, and DNA testing of biological evidence. In itself, the nature of sexual assault samples containing DNA mixtures presents challenges to laboratory methods and interpretation of results. The sample recovered from the victim may only contain trace amounts of the assailant's DNA, may have degraded due to prolonged storage in ambient conditions which is warm and humid in the tropics, or contaminated with inhibitors, such as in anal swabs. Hence, a closer evaluation of the processes of evidence collection and DNA testing is needed to increase the likelihood of success in generating conclusive results. In this paper, we propose an integrated system for DNA testing of biological samples collected from sexual assault victims considering the limitations of resources and the prevailing warm climate. Recommendations in this work should provide basis for formulating national guidelines for DNA analysis in aid of criminal investigations. The proposed scheme can be adopted by forensic DNA laboratories in the Philippines and in other countries facing similar challenges.

Forensic DNA testing during the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic.

The aggressive nature of the new SARS-2 corona virus now referred to as SARS-CoV-2 ; the seriousness and length of the period of infection; the fast and far-reaching transmissibility via liquid droplets that become air-borne when someone coughs, sneezes or speaks with increasing evidence to support actual airborne transmission; the presence of viral particles especially in body fluids and tissues, of viral positive individuals; and the persistence of the virus on different types of surfaces pose serious concerns for forensic practitioners, including forensic DNA analysts. Many forensic laboratories and law enforcement agencies need to address the inevitable changes that must be made in forensic DNA testing. In this article, we explore the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on the collection, handling, storage and transport of biological samples for downstream DNA testing. This paper aims to open discussions on the urgency of balancing the need to conduct investigations in order to maintain public order with the requirements of effective biosafety protocols specifically formulated to protect human resources within the forensic science community.

DNA evidence: current perspective and future challenges in India.

Since the discovery of DNA fingerprinting technology in 1985 it has been used extensively as evidence in the court of law world-wide to establish the individual identity both in civil and criminal matters. In India, the first case of parentage dispute solved by the use of DNA fingerprinting technology was in 1989. Since then till date, the DNA technology has been used not only to resolve the cases of paternity and maternity disputes, but also for the establishment of individual identity in various criminal cases and for wildlife forensic identification. Since last half a decade, India is exercising to enact legislation on the use of DNA in the judicial realm and the draft 'Human DNA Bill-2012' is pending in the parliament. Largely, the promoters of forensic DNA testing have anticipated that DNA tests are nearly infallible and DNA technology could be the greatest single advance step in search for truth, conviction of the perpetrator, and acquittal of the innocent. The current article provides a comprehensive review on the status of DNA testing in India and elucidates the consequences of the admissibility of DNA as 'evidence' in the judicial dominion. In this backdrop of civil and criminal laws and changing ethical and societal attitudes, it is concluded that the DNA legislation in India and world-wide needs to be designed with utmost care.