Thesis
Cutting corners: Direct to tube in-field lysis of forensic samples
Masters by Research, Murdoch University
2024
Abstract
Current forensic Deoxyribonucleic Acid (DNA) analysis practices are broken down into a series of linear steps that follow the process from field sampling to interpretation of the results. The initial step of collecting any sample from a crime scene most often involves using a swab, which is then sent to the laboratory to be processed. In many cases, the laboratory must transfer the swab head to another tube containing a DNA extraction buffer solution necessary for laboratory analysis. This tedious step involves double handling that could easily contaminate the sample and be a detriment to the process further downstream. If in-field crime scene personnel were able to deposit a swab head directly into a prepared tube containing DNA extraction buffer, this tedious and contamination-prone step could be eliminated from the analysis pipeline, optimising the process.
The Tube-Basket-Buffer (TBB) array is a novel, field-deployable solution that aims to replace the need to move samples between two separate tubes. A range of plasticware was evaluated and validated for use in various conditions to reproduce the challenges of field collection, such as time delays, temperature variation and movement during transport. This study shows that laboratory plasticware can make the TBB array to transport swab samples without buffer leakage or contamination during simulated field collection. DNA extracted from the TBB array swabs produced DNA profiles and showed no external contamination. Significant degradation of DNA was seen with arrays kept at 45°C for 12 hours. No significant degradation was recorded when using the TBB array at other temperatures and times included in the study. This study paves the way toward implementing the TBB array in the forensic workflow, with further research needed to include more aspects of real-world field collection.
Details
- Title
- Cutting corners: Direct to tube in-field lysis of forensic samples
- Authors/Creators
- Heather McKenna
- Contributors
- Brendan Chapman (Supervisor) - Murdoch University, School of Medical, Molecular and Forensic SciencesJohn Coumbaros (Supervisor) - Murdoch University, School of Medical, Molecular and Forensic Sciences
- Awarding Institution
- Murdoch University; Masters by Research
- Identifiers
- 991005666669507891
- Murdoch Affiliation
- School of Medical, Molecular and Forensic Sciences
- Resource Type
- Thesis
- Note
- Accelerated Research Masters with Training
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