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NCJ Number: NCJ 242773     Find in a Library
Title: Automating the Differential Digestion Method in the Analysis of Sexual Assault Cases Using Selective Degradation
Author(s): Helena G. Wong ; Jennifer S. Mihalovich ; George Sensabaugh
Date Published: 2013
Page Count: 48
Sponsoring Agency: National Institute of Justice
US Department of Justice
Office of Justice Programs
United States of America
Grant Number: 2010-DN-BX-K182
Sale Source: NCJRS Photocopy Services
Box 6000
Rockville, MD 20849-6000
United States of America
Document: PDF 
Type: Report (Study/Research) ; Report (Grant Sponsored)
Language: English
Country: United States of America
Annotation: This project developed and tested an automated differential digestion process that uses selective degradation with DNase 1 in order to remove non-sperm DNA from a mixed sample of evidence in a sexual assault case, thus saving time and labor.
Abstract: The protocol uses 96-well plates and incorporates microscope slide preparations, resulting in high efficiency and high throughput. Although initial evaluations of the DNase process produced lower DNA yield and inferior STR DNA typing quality compared to the conventional differential digestion. This was corrected by optimizing the concentrations of the divalent ions magnesium and calcium, along with the quantity of DNase used. This modification increased both the DNA yield and the quality of the STR DNA typing results. The protocol was tested on samples stored for extended time periods (up to 60 years) and on samples exposed to multiple freeze/thaw cycles or heat and humidity. All samples subjected to the new protocol produced results similar to samples processed by the conventional differential digestion method. The result was the production of sperm fractions with no or minimal epithelial cell carry-over. 7 tables, 29 figures, and 22 references
Main Term(s): Criminology
Index Term(s): Blood/body fluid analysis ; Rape investigations ; Forensics/Forensic Sciences ; Investigative techniques ; Sex offense investigations ; DNA fingerprinting ; NIJ final report
   
  To cite this abstract, use the following link:
https://www.ncjrs.gov/App/Publications/abstract.aspx?ID=264848

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