| Although it may seem outlandish at first thought, it is | | | | testing. |
| becoming more common that questions of relationship | | | | Recognizing the need to find a solution to this problem, |
| surface at or around the passing of a relative. Many | | | | the DNA Identity Testing Laboratory of Bio-Synthesis, |
| times, the issue is personal, that perhaps a biological | | | | Inc. underwent an experiment. Since it is widely known |
| relationship was never established with the now | | | | that 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 inheritance | | | | identify a unique source of DNA. The type of sample |
| of assets. Whatever the questions or reasons may | | | | selected to perform the experiment was eyebrow |
| be, DNA testing laboratories are experiencing a | | | | hair. 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 the | | | | more substantial root. |
| relationship arises. Of course, DNA testing is the | | | | In nuclear DNA testing, any type of hair must have an |
| answer, but what type of sample can be collected | | | | intact root in order for nuclear DNA to be obtained. |
| after a person is deceased? In theory, any human | | | | The selection of eyebrow hair over hair from the scalp |
| biological tissue, which contains nucleated cells, may be | | | | was also due to the fact that many hair products |
| used for the purpose of DNA testing. However, many | | | | have been found to act as PCR (polymerase chain |
| factors may affect the viability of a sample. If it is | | | | reaction) inhibitors, which can prevent successful |
| decided that DNA testing is necessary and a | | | | amplification of DNA (one of the steps in DNA testing). |
| deceased individual is to be a test participant, if at all | | | | The experiment involved eyebrow hair samples (with |
| possible, a DNA sample should be secured | | | | roots) 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 viable | | | | taken after embalmment ranged from 8 to 24 hours. |
| DNA sample. Unless the cause of death is under | | | | The result was that, from all samples, a full DNA profile |
| investigation, most bodies will be released from a | | | | was 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. The | | | | profiles were obtained from every sample. Prior to this |
| chemicals in embalming fluid contaminate the tissues of | | | | experiment, other experiments were performed with |
| the body. This poses a problem if a DNA sample is to | | | | other types of samples, nail clippings for instance, with |
| be collected from a decedent, for the purpose of DNA | | | | inconsistent results. |