Risk of DNA contamination through fingerprint brush, during the dusting of living persons and deceased

Abstract

This study investigated the possibility of DNA contamination during fingerprint collection when using a fingerprint brush. Two kinds of brushes were selected: powdered brushes and neat (not powdered) brushes. The fingerprints were collected from the tips of all the fingers and near the wrists of both living and deceased persons using the two brushes. Both brushes were analyzed for the DNA contents and profiles. The results obtained confirmed the transfer of DNA onto both brushes, although the results showed that the powdered brushes carried more DNA compared with the neat brushes. More DNA was transferred onto the brushes used on deceased persons than onto the brushes used for living persons. Only partial DNA profiles were obtained from the brushes, which is due to the presence of other sources of DNA on the surfaces of the skin of both living and deceased persons. This phenomenon confirmed the DNA contamination during fingerprint collection when fingerprint brushes were used.