| Although it may seem outlandish at first | | | | |
| thought, it is becoming more common that | | | | Recognizing the need to find a solution to |
| questions of relationship surface at or | | | | this problem, the DNA Identity Testing |
| around the passing of a relative. Many times, | | | | Laboratory of Bio-Synthesis, Inc. underwent |
| the issue is personal, that perhaps a | | | | an experiment. Since it is widely known that |
| biological relationship was never established | | | | after embalmment, the soft tissue of the body |
| with the now deceased relative, or was | | | | will not be adequate for DNA testing, the lab |
| uncertain. In other situations, the issue may | | | | had to identify a unique source of DNA. The |
| regard legal matters, such as inheritance of | | | | type of sample selected to perform the |
| assets. Whatever the questions or reasons may | | | | experiment was eyebrow hair. As opposed to |
| be, DNA testing laboratories are experiencing | | | | hair from the scalp, eyebrow hair tends to be |
| a greater number of cases involving | | | | thicker in diameter and, therefore, has a |
| decedents. | | | | more substantial root. |
| | | | |
| So, then the question of how to determine the | | | | In nuclear DNA testing, any type of hair must |
| relationship arises. Of course, DNA testing | | | | have an intact root in order for nuclear DNA |
| is the answer, but what type of sample can be | | | | to be obtained. The selection of eyebrow hair |
| collected after a person is deceased? In | | | | over hair from the scalp was also due to the |
| theory, any human biological tissue, which | | | | fact that many hair products have been found |
| contains nucleated cells, may be used for the | | | | to act as PCR (polymerase chain reaction) |
| purpose of DNA testing. However, many factors | | | | inhibitors, which can prevent successful |
| may affect the viability of a sample. If it | | | | amplification of DNA (one of the steps in DNA |
| is decided that DNA testing is necessary and | | | | testing). |
| a deceased individual is to be a test | | | | |
| participant, if at all possible, a DNA sample | | | | The experiment involved eyebrow hair samples |
| should be secured immediately, at or around | | | | (with roots) taken from 15 embalmed cadavers, |
| the time of death. Otherwise, it may then | | | | ages 20 years to 75 years. The time that the |
| become more difficult to obtain a viable DNA | | | | samples were taken after embalmment ranged |
| sample. Unless the cause of death is under | | | | from 8 to 24 hours. The result was that, from |
| investigation, most bodies will be released | | | | all samples, a full DNA profile was obtained. |
| from a morgue to an undertaker, if opted, | | | | This is remarkable because, in many cases, |
| relatively quickly. Upon release to an | | | | non-standard, forensic samples yield only |
| undertaker, embalmment, if opted, will then | | | | partial DNA profiles. However, in this |
| take place rather quickly, as well. The | | | | experiment, again, full profiles were |
| chemicals in embalming fluid contaminate the | | | | obtained from every sample. Prior to this |
| tissues of the body. This poses a problem if | | | | experiment, other experiments were performed |
| a DNA sample is to be collected from a | | | | with other types of samples, nail clippings |
| decedent, for the purpose of DNA testing. | | | | for instance, with inconsistent results. |