Post-Mortem DNA Testing: Techniques and Preservation Methods

In forensic science and genealogy, post-mortem DNA testing has emerged as an important procedure to solve family mysteries, B, C, and D relationships, and medical history. Whether in need of knowing the identity of someone who died, with questions about heirs, or anything in between, post-mortem DNA testing is a resource fit for investigators. This process is known as Deceased Person DNA Testing, and the process demands high-tech methods and techniques and correct methods of preserving DNA samples to get accurate results.

Why and When to Perform a Post-Mortem DNA Test?

Post-mortem DNA Testing is a procedure that is very vital in cases where the identification of a person or some genetic information is needed when the person is already dead. These tests are conducted in many situations, such as establishing paternity, identifying unidentified bodies, determining genetic disease predisposition, and addressing legal issues. For instance, in legal cases of inheritance disputes, DNA tests will authenticate patents’ relations with accuracy, thereby proving what is needed for the case. Therefore, because of the need for these tests, there have been advancements in DNA Testing Kits and ways that enhance the process of identifying the deceased. 

Preservation Methods for Reliable Results

It is noted that some of these preservation methods that are used to achieve reliable results can be described as follows: DNA presents a significant challenge to environmental impacts such as temperature, humidity, or even exposure to chemicals; therefore, there is a practical need for Postmortem DNA Testing while considering the issue of preservation. The custodian of DNA samples should be properly stored and handled so that the DNA samples are fit for testing at any one time, even after death.

• Refrigeration and Freezing: If biological samples are placed in a refrigerator or freezer right after examination, a sudden chilling helps to avoid the degradation of DNA. 
• Chemical Preservation: Since some tissue samples may be preserved using chemicals such as formalin or other chemical preservatives, formal methods must be applied properly in DNA Testing Labs’ service offerings.
• Dry Storage for Teeth and Bones: He added that since bones and teeth can contain DNA for many years, dry storage is valuable for long-term preservation when specimens are stored in a dry and cool area away from direct sunlight.

DNA testing kits in post-mortem analysis

Current developments have ensured that DNA Testing Kits can be easily used by experts as well as families for sample collection. Nonetheless, in the case of Deceased Person DNA Testing, regular tests may be inadequate since, in most cases, deceased persons’ samples are collected under strict procedures different from those used in the collection of the testees’ samples and require specific equipment in the laboratory. OPM PCR forensic tissue kits contain enhanced methods and collection equipment meant for assembling DNA from post-mortem specimens such as bones or teeth.

The Accuracy and Opportunities of Post-Mortem DNA Testing

Unlike other tests, Deceased Person DNA Testing is very reliable. Then again, its reliability depends on the type of sample that is collected, how the sample was stored, and the kind of lab analysis used to conduct the test. One of the problems of using DNA in biotechnological and genetic applications is the degradation of the DNA over time, which makes its extraction more difficult when heat, moisture, or chemicals are applied. Also, the samples collected in the past contain scanty and degraded DNA, and sophisticated equipment is needed for proper examinations.

However, it has been a great challenge for forensic experts to identify a deceased person through DNA testing. This has, however, provided great development around post-mortem DNA testing, in which DNA Testing Labs are now able to get reliable outcomes from samples that were regarded as degraded. 

Conclusion

 Postmortem DNA testing serves as a powerful tool for hundreds of families, forensic and legal workers, and experts after a tragedy has happened. From the easy-to-use DNA Testing Kits to elaborate lab tests, selecting the right provider means that you will get the best result. Whether it’s just knowledge of genetic lineage or health concerns, Choice DNA presents professionally supervised Deceased Person DNA Testing with up-to-date techniques and sample storage mechanisms.