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The diversity of shedder tests and a novel factor that affects DNA transfer

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A Correction to this article was published on 03 June 2022

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Abstract

Since the first shedder test was formulated almost 20 years ago, a plethora of different test strategies has emerged. The amount of data generated so far is considerable. However, because of the limited reproducibility of its results, the reliability of the shedder concept is frequently questioned. This study provides a literature overview of applied shedder tests that capture the diversity of the concept. It is pointed out to what extent different classification criteria, workflows, and trace evaluation can impair the classification outcome. The robustness of shedder status was assessed by applying a promising approach established by Fonneløp et al. (Forensic Sci Int Genet 29:48–60, 21). Data provide similar results to those in recent studies but also ambiguous shedder classifications. The applied shedder test was adapted based on our own as well as the reviewed data. With novel classification parameters, promising results were achieved. This study reveals uncertainties and inconsistencies of the shedder concept. Recommendations for harmonization and transparency are proposed. Implementation of the recommendations may result in an increased impact on casework and transfer studies, including activity-level assessments. Furthermore, this study shows that moisturizers affect participants’ shedder status as well as DNA transfer. The impact appears to remain relevant even 60 min post ointment application but depends greatly on the type of moisturizer applied.

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Data availability

The data that support the findings of this study are available from the corresponding author, upon reasonable request.

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Acknowledgements

We would like to thank the volunteers who participated in this study and the entire team of the forensic DNA department for support in conducting the tests and evaluating the results.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Institute of Legal Medicine, University Ulm, Albert-Einstein-Allee 23, 89081, Ulm, Germany

    Max Schwender, Malte Bamberg, Lisa Dierig, Sebastian N. Kunz & Peter Wiegand

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  2. Malte Bamberg
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  3. Lisa Dierig
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  5. Peter Wiegand
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Correspondence to Max Schwender.

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The original online version of this article was revised: Due to a marriage, the author Max Schmidt should be changed to Max Schwender.

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Schwender, M., Bamberg, M., Dierig, L. et al. The diversity of shedder tests and a novel factor that affects DNA transfer. Int J Legal Med 135, 1267–1280 (2021). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00414-021-02533-y

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