Journal of Forensic Research

A Comparative Study on Forensic Tissue Specimen Preserved in Formalin and Sodium Chloride

Abstract

Munuswamy Usha Rani, Dhanapal Thilaga and Nithyanandam Mahalakshmi

Forensic specimens serve as a vital clue in criminal investigation and in efficient administration of justice. The forensic specimens which are highly limited by its quality and quantity require a high throughput analysis to obtain a reproducible result for further action. Preservation of tissue specimen in sodium chloride is suggested for routine forensic DNA analysis. Occasionally, unknowingly the tissue specimens are preserved in formalin in hospitals and forwarded to the laboratory for DNA analysis. The present study demonstrates the effect of formalin and sodium chloride on tissue specimens and their influence on DNA profiling. A comparative study between forensic tissue specimen preserved in formalin and sodium chloride demonstrated that formalin has a negative effect on tissue specimen and significantly affects the outcome of DNA profiling results.