DNA Identity Testing Laboratory

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