The study demonstrates that some or the entire DNA profile may be produced from DNA recovered from touch evidence from about 80 percent of the general population (i.e., 18.6 percent heavy shedders plus 60.5 percent intermediate shedders). In both sexes, only about 20 percent of donors were classified as light shedders. Among the arsenal of probative forensic tools available for the investigation of crime, fingerprinting is still one of the most effective means of linking individuals to crime scenes. However, for effective fingerprint matching to occur, the quality of a fingerprint lifted from evidence must meet minimal criteria before it can be compared with a reference print from a suspect. If the fingerprint is smudged or otherwise lacking in sufficient detail, it may not be useful for pattern comparison, but may still be suitable for DNA analysis. This study examined factors affecting the deposition of DNA on touched evidence. Volunteers of both sexes were asked to deposit a single fingerprint or thumbprint on clean glass slides with the forefingers and thumbs of both hands. They were also asked to identify their dominant hand. The study highlights the utility of touch evidence as a source of DNA suitable for typing from evidence that may be unsuitable for traditional fingerprint analysis. Tables, figures, references