Source Level Attribution: DNA Profiling from the ABAcard® HemaTrace® Kit

Wallis, L; Hitchcock, C; McNevin, D; Raymond, J

Source Level Attribution: DNA Profiling from the ABAcard® HemaTrace® Kit

Wallis, L Hitchcock, C McNevin, D

Raymond, J

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Publisher:: MDPI AG
Publication Type:: Journal Article
Citation:: Forensic Sciences, 2021, 1, (3), pp. 116-129
Issue Date:: 2021-10-07

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Field	Value	Language
dc.contributor.author	Wallis, L
dc.contributor.author	Hitchcock, C
dc.contributor.author	McNevin, D https://orcid.org/0000-0003-1665-3367
dc.contributor.author	Raymond, J
dc.date.accessioned	2021-12-01T02:10:17Z
dc.date.available	2021-12-01T02:10:17Z
dc.date.issued	2021-10-07
dc.identifier.citation	Forensic Sciences, 2021, 1, (3), pp. 116-129
dc.identifier.issn	0022-1198
dc.identifier.issn	2673-6756
dc.identifier.uri	http://hdl.handle.net/10453/151954
dc.description.abstract	<jats:p>ABAcard® HemaTrace® kits have been used for crime scene stains for confirmation of human blood for many years. However, when the stain is too small to allow for separate testing, confirmatory testing may be forgone to preference DNA analysis. This can lead to court challenges as to the biological source and therefore probative value of the DNA profile. This research aimed to develop a protocol for DNA analysis of a minute blood stain subsequent to HemaTrace® testing. Stains were collected and subjected to HemaTrace® testing. Swabs were then removed from the HemaTrace® buffer solution and processed. DNA yields and STR DNA profiles were analysed for both quantity and quality. Full profiles were reliably obtained from stains with diameters of 0.6 mm–0.7 mm, reflecting DNA concentrations between 0.0036 ng/μL and 0.007 ng/μL, varying according to substrate characteristics. However, stains below a diameter of 0.6 mm should proceed directly for DNA profiling. This protocol was also successfully performed on blood stains which had undergone UV irradiation, although use of the reporting peak height threshold (lower than the routine analytical threshold) was required to obtain useable profiles. We have been able to demonstrate a protocol which, with minor adjustments to crime scene procedures, allows for both the confirmation of the presence of human blood, together with the generation of useful DNA profiles.</jats:p>
dc.language	en
dc.publisher	MDPI AG
dc.relation.ispartof	Forensic Sciences
dc.relation.isbasedon	10.3390/forensicsci1030011
dc.rights	info:eu-repo/semantics/restrictedAccess
dc.title	Source Level Attribution: DNA Profiling from the ABAcard® HemaTrace® Kit
dc.type	Journal Article
utslib.citation.volume	1
pubs.organisational-group	/University of Technology Sydney
pubs.organisational-group	/University of Technology Sydney/Faculty of Science
pubs.organisational-group	/University of Technology Sydney/Strength - CFS - Centre for Forensic Science
pubs.organisational-group	/University of Technology Sydney/Faculty of Science/School of Mathematical and Physical Sciences
utslib.copyright.status	recently_added	*
dc.date.updated	2021-12-01T02:10:15Z
pubs.issue	3
pubs.publication-status	Published online
pubs.volume	1
utslib.citation.issue	3

Abstract:

ABAcard® HemaTrace® kits have been used for crime scene stains for confirmation of human blood for many years. However, when the stain is too small to allow for separate testing, confirmatory testing may be forgone to preference DNA analysis. This can lead to court challenges as to the biological source and therefore probative value of the DNA profile. This research aimed to develop a protocol for DNA analysis of a minute blood stain subsequent to HemaTrace® testing. Stains were collected and subjected to HemaTrace® testing. Swabs were then removed from the HemaTrace® buffer solution and processed. DNA yields and STR DNA profiles were analysed for both quantity and quality. Full profiles were reliably obtained from stains with diameters of 0.6 mm–0.7 mm, reflecting DNA concentrations between 0.0036 ng/μL and 0.007 ng/μL, varying according to substrate characteristics. However, stains below a diameter of 0.6 mm should proceed directly for DNA profiling. This protocol was also successfully performed on blood stains which had undergone UV irradiation, although use of the reporting peak height threshold (lower than the routine analytical threshold) was required to obtain useable profiles. We have been able to demonstrate a protocol which, with minor adjustments to crime scene procedures, allows for both the confirmation of the presence of human blood, together with the generation of useful DNA profiles.

Please use this identifier to cite or link to this item:

http://hdl.handle.net/10453/151954