Thesis
Detection of Secondary Transfer of Human Spermatozoa between Items of Clothing during a Domestic Washing Machine Cycle using the Quantifiler® Trio DNA Quantification Kit.
Masters by Coursework, Murdoch University
2017
Abstract
Semen is a biological body fluid and is among the most informative types of evidence recovered at a crime scene. In sexual assault cases, seminal fluid can be a source of deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA). This DNA, recovered from items of interest, links victims and persons of interest, corroborates conflicting stories or exonerates innocent parties. After a sexual assault occurs items of clothing may undergo laundering to remove any evidence pertaining to the event. Forensic analysts will take this into consideration when testing for seminal fluid and when commenting on the persistence of spermatozoa after laundering. Methods of obtaining DNA profiles from laundered fabric samples have been successfully achieved, however, there remains limited information on this subject. Furthermore, the current knowledge of secondary transfer during the laundering process is minimal. Currently, there is limited scientific literature that establishes the viability of obtaining a DNA profile from the secondary transfer of semen during laundering. This review aims to identify the research gap in the determination of secondary transfer of seminal fluid during laundering and, moreover, aid in the conceptual understanding of the secondary transfer of biological fluids during laundering in both investigatory and court scenarios.
Details
- Title
- Detection of Secondary Transfer of Human Spermatozoa between Items of Clothing during a Domestic Washing Machine Cycle using the Quantifiler® Trio DNA Quantification Kit.
- Authors/Creators
- Michaela Cross
- Contributors
- James Speers (Supervisor)J. Murakami (Supervisor)
- Awarding Institution
- Murdoch University; Masters by Coursework
- Identifiers
- 991005545204407891
- Murdoch Affiliation
- School of Veterinary and Life Sciences
- Language
- English
- Resource Type
- Thesis
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