Modified differential DNA extraction to reduce processing time of sexual assault exhibits

作者：Huey Hian Ng; Mae Lynn Lim; See Ying Hoe; Zheng Da Yong; Yueh Shyang Ping; Hwee Chen Ang; Christopher Kiu Choong Syn

来源：Forensic Science International: Genetics Supplement Series , 2017, 6: e252-e254.

DOI：10.1016/j.fsigss.2017.09.094

• Differential extraction
• Maxwell
• Direct to DNA

Sexual assault examination often requires serological saliva/semen testing and differential organic DNA extraction. However, some tests are time-consuming (e.g. microscopic sperm identification) or do not necessarily correlate with the detection of male DNA (e.g. Semenogelin and PSA testing). Additionally, conventional differential organic DNA extraction utilises phenol/chloroform, is laborious, and requires multiple manual tube-to-tube transfer steps. The present study evaluated a modification of the differential DNA extraction workflow, incorporating semi-automation in the form of Promega Maxwell-16 DNA Extraction System. This modified workflow gave comparable results to organic method in terms of sensitivity, sperm DNA recovery and robustness. In addition, the modified extraction workflow significantly reduced the processing time of sexual assault evidences by 15 h.