Feasibility of crime scene pcr-based dna analysis using the mobile molecular laboratory
Keywords
DNA -- Analysis, Forensic sciences, Polymerase chain reaction
Abstract
Traditionally, biological evidence at a crime scene is collected, packaged, labeled, and then transported to the crime laboratory for DNA analysis. This is a deliberate process requiring exte~ive training and documented protocols. By defirtition, crime scenes are contaminated. When biological evidence has been deposited by an individual, preservation and testing should be conducted as soon as possible. Due to the extremely large volume ofcases submitted to forensic laboratories for analysis, cases must be prioritized which may result in a delay in processing ofbiological materials. The Mobile Molecular™ Laboratory (MML) from MJ Research, Inc.(Watertown, MA) is a mini, portable DNA laboratory which may assist the DNA analyst in achieving quick preliminary test results at a catastrophic crime scene or accident. At crime scenes where the amount ofbiological evidence is astronomical, collection and preliminary DNA testing ofthe samples would· enhance prioritization not only for collection purposes but for subsequent laboratory testing as well. The MML includes the following instrumentation: PTC-150 Minicycler (MJ Research, Watertown, MA), UV transilluminator (Fotodyne, Inc., Hartland~ WI) , FCR10 Polaroid camera (Fotodyne, Inc, Hartland, WI), mini gel box (Fotodyne, Inc., Hartland, WI), power supply (Fotodyne, Inc., Hartland, WI), and microcentrifuge (Denver Instrument Company, Aarvada, CO). The MML has been used on site to analyze isozymes among rare Antarctic mosses, amplify mtDNA sequences copied from
whale meat for sale in Japan, and analyze Ebola virus among primates in the Philippines. Subsequently, prototypes ofthe MML have been tested in remote areas ofBrazil, the American Southwest, and the Caribbean. Anin situ crime scene DNA screening procedure has been developed using the MML system to detect Short Tandem Repeat (STR) allele patterns. A rapid extraction procedure, the UltraClean™ Bloodspin kit from MoBio Laboratories, Inc, has been optimized for biological stains and can be completed in approximately 10 minutes. The PTC-150 Minicycler™ completes amplification ofpolymorphic STR loci (System I: Dl6S539, Amelogenin, and Dl3S317 and System II: CSFlPO, Penta E, and O5S818) in approximately 70 minutes. Resultant STR patterns from biological evidence allow for discrimination ofone sample from another. The use ofMML technology at a crime scene has several advantages including allowing DNA evidence to play a vital role in the early investigative time period, providing guidance in the collection ofsamples, and being able to easily prioritize samples in the laboratory. Caveats to MML use include laborious protocols, necessity of having a DNA analyst in the field, and unpredictable environmental conditions.
Notes
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Graduation Date
2001
Advisor
Ballantyne, Jack
Degree
Master of Science (M.S.)
College
College of Arts and Sciences
Department
Chemistry
Format
Pages
110 p.
Language
English
Length of Campus-only Access
None
Access Status
Masters Thesis (Open Access)
Identifier
DP0028716
Subjects
Arts and Sciences -- Dissertations, Academic; Dissertations, Academic -- Arts and Sciences
STARS Citation
Glidewell, Debra E., "Feasibility of crime scene pcr-based dna analysis using the mobile molecular laboratory" (2001). Retrospective Theses and Dissertations. 1182.
https://stars.library.ucf.edu/rtd/1182
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