Bite-Mark Swab
Definition
A DNA swab taken from a bite-mark wound on skin, capturing salivary DNA deposited by the biter, which can then be profiled and compared to reference samples from suspects.
- Target material
- Salivary DNA on skin
- Collected from
- Bite-mark wound site
- Downstream use
- DNA profiling and suspect comparison
- Field
- Forensic odontology, DNA evidence
Common questions
Why has DNA swabbing largely overtaken pattern comparison in bite-mark cases?+
Bite-mark pattern comparison to dentition has faced sustained scientific criticism over its reliability, while salivary DNA recovered from the same wound can be profiled with the same validated methods used for any other biological stain, giving a stronger and better-supported identification route.
What can reduce the chance of recovering usable DNA from a bite-mark swab?+
Time elapsed since the bite, moisture or washing of the skin, and degradation of saliva at the wound site all reduce recoverable DNA quantity, so swabbing as early as possible after the bite is documented is preferred.
Related terms
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