Abstract
Indigo dye is used to dye denim and other fabrics. It is now accepted that if this is co-extracted with the DNA, it may inhibit PCR amplification. A simple, improved method is described for the extraction of DNA from bloodstained denim for PCR amplification and short tandem repeat (STR) analysis. The DNA was extracted by constructing a blotting system using capillary action to draw a saline solution through the denim. The transferred material was collected onto nylon membranes and these were processed by chelex extraction. A variety of coloured denim substrates and other heavily dyed fabrics, including case work samples were used. In all cases the DNA was extracted, amplified and typed correctly.
Similar content being viewed by others
Author information
Authors and Affiliations
Additional information
Received: 8 December 1997 / Received in revised form: 13 August 1998
Rights and permissions
About this article
Cite this article
Larkin, A., Harbison, S. An improved method for STR analysis of bloodstained denim. Int J Leg Med 112, 388–390 (1999). https://doi.org/10.1007/s004140050020
Issue Date:
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s004140050020