Device and kit for collecting forensic DNA from surfaces including fingerprints
The present invention relates to a high sensitivity crime scene swab device for maximal recovery of trace forensic DNA evidence left at a crime scene for DNA PCR analysis. More particularly, DNA recovery is obtained from fingerprints lifted from surfaces at the crime scene. The invention also relates to a high sensitivity method for DNA analysis of trace DNA obtained by generating small tandem repeat (STR) profiles using a polymerase chain reaction protocol.
1. A device for collecting an analyzable amount of sample DNA from a fingerprint on a surface, comprising:
(a) a holder member having a first end and second end; and
(b) a DNA-collecting member adapted to collect and release an analyzable amount of DNA, the DNA-collecting member comprising a single, twisted cotton yarn loop having a first end and second end;
at least one string structure (i) tying together the first end and the second end of the cotton yarn loop, and (ii) coupling the cotton yarn loop to the first end of the holder member; and
heat shrink tubing structure affixing (i) at least the first end and the second end of the cotton yarn loop to the first end of the holder member, and (ii) the at least one string structure to the first end of the holder member.
2. The device of claim 1 , wherein the DNA-collecting member is pre-moistened.
3. The device of claim 1 , wherein the cotton yarn is rope-like.
4. The device of claim 1 , wherein the cotton yarn is woven.
5. The device of claim 1 , wherein the cotton yarn has a weight of about 0.25 g/yd to about 2.5 g/yd.
6. The device of claim 1 , wherein the collecting member comprises means for collecting and releasing an analyzable amount of about 100 pg of DNA or less.
7. The device of claim 1 , wherein the collecting member comprises means for collecting and releasing an analyzable amount of about 50 pg of DNA or less.
8. The device of claim 1 , wherein the collecting member comprises means for collecting and releasing an analyzable amount of about 25 pg of DNA or less.
9. The device of claim 1 , wherein the collecting member comprises means for collecting and releasing an analyzable amount of about 12.5 pg of DNA or less.
10. The device of claim 1 , wherein the collecting member comprises means for providing a yield of at least 25% of the available DNA in the sample.
11. The device of claim 10 , wherein the collecting member comprises means for providing a yield of at least 50% of the available DNA in the sample.
12. The device of claim 1 , wherein the DNA-collecting member is disposed in a loop at the first end of the holder.
13. The device of claim 1 , wherein the DNA-collecting member has a length of 0.5 cm to 3 cm.
14. The device of claim 1 , wherein the DNA-collecting member has a length of 0.75 cm to 2 cm.
15. The device of claim 1 , wherein the DNA-collecting member has a length of 1 cm.
16. A kit for collecting an analyzable amount of sample DNA from a surface, comprising:
(a) a DNA-collecting device; wherein the device comprises (i) a holder member having a first end and second end, (ii) a DNA-collecting member adapted to collect and release an analyzable amount of DNA from the fingerprint, the DNA-collecting member comprising a single, twisted cotton yarn loop having a first end and a second end, (iii) at least one string structure (iiia) tying together the first end and the second end of the cotton yarn loop, and (iiib) coupling the cotton yarn loop to the first end of the holder member, and (iv) heat shrink tubing structure affixing (iva) at least the first end and the second end of the cotton yarn loop to the first end of the holder member, and (ivb) the at least one string structure to the first end of the holder member; and
(b) a receptacle for retaining the DNA-collecting device of (a).
17. The kit of claim 16 , further comprising a swabbing solution.
18. The kit of claim 17 , wherein the swabbing solution comprises SDS.
19. The device of claim 16 , wherein the DNA-collecting member is disposed in a loop at the first end of the holder.
20. The device of claim 16 , wherein the DNA-collecting member has a length of 0.5 cm to 3 cm.
21. The device of claim 16 , wherein the DNA-collecting member has a length of 0.75 cm to 2 cm.
22. The device of claim 16 , wherein the DNA-collecting member has a length of 1 cm.
23. A device for collecting an analyzable amount of sample DNA from a fingerprint on a surface, comprising:
(a) a holder member having a first end and second end; and
(b) a DNA-collecting member adapted to collect and release an analyzable amount of DNA from the sample, comprising:
a cotton yarn disposed in a single loop and having a first end and second end;
at least one string coupling both ends of the cotton yarn single loop to the first end of the holder member;
heat-shrink material affixing (i) both ends of the cotton yarn single loop and (ii) the at least one string to the first end of the holder member.