Contact DNA
Definition
A practical description of DNA recovered from a contact area, without proving the transfer route. It can include different biological components and several possible deposition histories. The label does not prove direct touch by a particular person.
- Context
- DNA evidence
For example, DNA on a contact surface can reflect earlier use or indirect transfer rather than proving one recent direct touch.
Indirect transfer, previous use and handling must be assessed where relevant.
Related terms
- Background DNA
- Material present through histories other than the activity under investigation. DNA on an item can reflect previous use, indirect transfer or other...
- Biological Evidence
- Biological evidence is material of biological origin examined to address a forensic question, including tissue, fluids, hair or trace biological components. Its...
- Dropout
- Failure to detect a true contributor allele under the analytical conditions. Their assessment depends on the method and profile conditions. Do not...
- Indirect Transfer
- Movement of material through an intermediary rather than direct animal contact with the final surface. The intermediary, sequence and opportunities for persistence...
- Inhibition
- Interference with an assay by substances or conditions, distinct from loss or fragmentation of the target. An internal control can help assess...
- Mitochondrial DNA
- DNA associated with mitochondria, with inheritance and discrimination different from standard nuclear STR profiles. Shortened STR designs can improve access to some...
- Nuclear DNA
- Nuclear DNA is DNA associated with a cell’s nuclear chromosomes, distinct from the mitochondrial genome. Forensic methods examine selected regions or other...
- Persistence
- The property that friction ridge configuration remains stable from birth through death and into decomposition, as long as the papillary dermis survives....
Explained in these topics
- The Scope of Biological Evidence in Forensic Science
- Touch DNA and Trace Biological MaterialDNA recovered from a contact-associated area, without an implied transfer route.