RESUMEN
Filter papers have been used for many years in different applications of molecular biology and have been proven to be a stable way to store DNA waiting to be analyzed. Sampling of DNA on FTA (Flinders Technology Associates) cards is convenient and cost effective compared to alternative approaches involving DNA extractions and storage of DNA extracts. FTA cards are analyzed at many forensic laboratories, and the way to perform direct genetic profiling on buccal swab cards has developed into an almost industrial process. The possibility to include postmortem (PM) samples into an FTA-based workflow would facilitate and speed up the genetic identification process compared to conventional methods, both on a regular basis and in a mass casualty event. In this study, we investigated if FTA cards may be used to carry tissue DNA from deceased and present a high-quality DNA profile from the individual in order to be useful for the identification process. The study also aimed to investigate if a specific body tissue would be preferable, and if decomposed tissue is suitable at all to put on an FTA card in order to obtain a DNA profile. We have compared the quality of the DNA profiles acquired from postmortem tissue on FTA cards, with the results acquired with conventional methods from reference bone/muscle samples from the same individual. Several types of tissues have been tested from different identification cases and scenarios. We concluded that tissue cells from inner organs are suitable to put on FTA cards, and that the obtained DNA profiles have the potential to serve as PM data for identification purposes. In cases including compromised samples, however, it is recommended to keep the tissue sample as a backup if further DNA has to be extracted.
Asunto(s)
Dermatoglifia del ADN , ADN/análisis , Manejo de Especímenes/instrumentación , Huesos/química , Incendios , Genética Forense , Humanos , Riñón/química , Hígado/química , Repeticiones de Microsatélite , Mucosa Bucal/química , Músculo Esquelético/química , Reacción en Cadena de la Polimerasa , Cambios Post Mortem , Bazo/químicaAsunto(s)
Causas de Muerte , Autopsia , Manejo de Caso , Competencia Clínica , Vías Clínicas , Certificado de Defunción , Medicina Legal , Humanos , Notificación Obligatoria , PoliciaRESUMEN
In 2008 only 55 % of all deaths not deemed to be natural in Sweden underwent a medicolegal autopsy. In the present study we describe and compare the characteristics of unnatural deaths in three counties through review of death certificates for unnatural deaths and, when applicable, corresponding police reports. The majority of unnatural deaths that were not reported to the police were among elderly decedents, with the deaths most often resulting from a fall-related fracture or head injury. One subgroup among these deaths that were not recognized as reportable by the involved physician, estimated by extrapolation to a total of approximately 300 annually, nationwide, was considered to be at elevated risk for a criminal death (homicide). The causes of death in this group were due to, for example, high energy or sharp force trauma, gunshot injury, asphyxia, and drug and/or alcohol intoxication. We conclude that additional training in the handling of unnatural deaths is indicated for Swedish physicians.