Meakin, GE; (2016) Transfer: DNA. In: Jamieson, A and Moenssens, A, (eds.) Wiley Encyclopedia of Forensic Science. Wiley

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Abstract

Touch DNA, better referred to as trace DNA, can be transferred to a surface in a multitude of ways, both directly and indirectly. Although promising methods are on the horizon, it is currently not possible to reliably identify the biological source of trace DNA, be it from skin cells, other tissues or body fluids. This makes it particularly difficult for forensic experts to assess how trace DNA might have been transferred to the surface of interest. The detection of such transferred trace DNA is dependent on a plethora of factors, including those affecting its initial deposition, persistence, availability for onward transfer, and analytical recovery and availability for DNA profiling. Routine DNA profiling is now being conducted by extremely sensitive techniques making the recovery of trace DNA from a crime scene far more likely. As such, forensic experts must consider issues of DNA transfer, and any potential risks of contamination, when evaluating findings of trace DNA in casework.

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