Efficient DNA Profiling Protocols for Disaster Victim Identification

Abstract

Advances in forensic biology have increased the options for the collection, sampling, preservation and processing of human remains for DNA-based identification. Combined with a plethora of commercial DNA testing kits that are far more forgiving of inhibited and degraded samples, efficient DNA approaches to post-mortem samples are explored here for DNA-based identification of compromised human remains. Approaches which preserve sample and reduce analytical turnaround times whilst saving resources also have the potential to expedite the identification process, to provide answers to grieving families sooner, or to provide leads in a criminal investigation. Targeting sample types that are minimally-invasive and do not require extensive preparation and testing protocols also has benefit for disaster victim identification (DVI) by facilitating field sampling. We have assessed minimally-invasive and simple to collect sample types compatible with minimal pre-treatment and efficient DNA profiling approaches. Incubating nail, distal phalanges and whole digits in 500 µL of PrepFiler™ Lysis Buffer for 2 h was an efficient and simple method, limiting or removing sample preparation. A reduced 15 min incubation also yielded DNA profiles suggesting a shorter incubation may lyse sufficient DNA. Preservative solutions offer an even simpler process in some cases. Furthermore, the efficient approaches described in this study offer storage solutions and are compatible with backend automated processing. This study will inform further research to develop and optimise efficient protocols. These DNA approaches should not be pursued for every sample; more compromised samples may best be submitted to the laboratory for more effective extraction and genotyping.