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Quantification of DNA in forensic samples

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Abstract

Quantification of DNA in a forensic sample is of major importance for proper DNA amplification and STR profiling. Several methods have been developed to quantify DNA, from basic UV spectrometry, through gel-based techniques, to dye staining, blotting techniques, and, very recently, DNA amplification methods (polymerase chain reaction, PCR). Early techniques simply measured total DNA, but newer techniques can specifically measure human DNA while excluding non-human DNA (foodstuff, animal, or bacterial contamination). These newer assays can be faster and less expensive than traditional methods, making them ideal for the busy forensic laboratory. This paper reviews classic and newer quantification techniques and presents methods recently developed by the authors on the basis of PCR of Alu sequences.

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Acknowledgements

The authors would like to thank Marcie LaFountain and Dr Margaret Schwartz for advice, support, and critical review of the manuscript. This work was supported in part under award 2000-IJ-CX-K012 from the Office of Justice Programs, National Institute of Justice, Department of Justice. This review does not necessarily represent the official position of the US Department of Justice.

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  1. Vermont Forensic Laboratory, Department of Public Safety, 103 S. Main St, P.O. Box 47, Waterbury, VT 05676, USA

    Janice A. Nicklas & Eric Buel

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  1. Janice A. Nicklas
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  2. Eric Buel
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Correspondence to Eric Buel.

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Nicklas, J.A., Buel, E. Quantification of DNA in forensic samples. Anal Bioanal Chem 376, 1160–1167 (2003). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00216-003-1924-z

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00216-003-1924-z

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