DNA evidence has become one of the most powerful tools in forensic science. It has the potential to solve cold cases, clear the innocent, and convict the guilty. But the question that comes up time and time again is, how long does DNA evidence last?
The truth is, there is no straightforward answer. The lifespan of DNA evidence can vary massively depending on many different factors, from the conditions in which it was stored to the type of sample it was taken from.
The basics
First, let’s take a look at the basics of DNA evidence. DNA, or deoxyribonucleic acid, is the genetic material found in almost all living organisms. In humans, it is found in our cells’ nuclei, where it contains the instructions for everything from eye color to susceptibility to diseases.
When it comes to forensic science, DNA evidence is typically collected from various bodily fluids, such as blood, semen, saliva, and hair. Once collected, the evidence is sent to a laboratory, where technicians extract and analyze the DNA to create a DNA profile. This profile can then be compared to the profiles of other individuals to determine if there is a match.
The DNA extraction process
The first step in analyzing DNA evidence is to extract DNA from the sample. The extraction process involves breaking open the cells and removing the DNA, using chemicals and other methods. Once the DNA has been extracted, it can be amplified using a technique called polymerase chain reaction (PCR), which creates millions of copies of the DNA.
The quality and quantity of the DNA that can be extracted from a sample depend on several factors, including:
- The type of sample
- The age of the sample
- The conditions in which the sample has been stored
- The presence of inhibitors, such as chemicals or bacteria, that can interfere with the extraction process
The storage of DNA evidence
The storage of DNA evidence is also a critical factor in its lifespan. DNA is vulnerable to degradation, meaning it can break down over time. The rate at which degradation occurs depends on several factors, including:
- The temperature and humidity of the storage environment
- The length of time the sample has been stored
- The presence of exposure to UV light or other forms of radiation
DNA evidence should always be stored in a cool, dry place to reduce the risk of degradation. Ideally, it should be stored at -20°C or colder. If DNA evidence is going to be stored for longer than a few weeks, it should be kept in an airtight container to prevent exposure to moisture and other contaminants.
How long does DNA evidence last?
Blood
Blood is one of the best sources of DNA evidence. It contains white blood cells, which are rich in DNA. Under the right conditions, blood can provide a viable DNA sample for many years.
Several studies have analyzed the lifespan of DNA in blood samples. While the results can vary, most studies agree that DNA can be extracted from blood samples that are up to ten years old. However, the quality of the DNA may decrease over time, which can affect the accuracy of the analysis.
Semen
Semen is another excellent source of DNA evidence. Like blood, semen contains a lot of white blood cells, which are rich in DNA. However, semen samples can be more challenging to work with than blood samples, as they are more likely to be contaminated by other DNA sources.
Several studies have analyzed the lifespan of DNA in semen samples. One study found that DNA could be extracted from semen samples that were up to 27 years old, while another found that DNA in semen samples could be extracted up to 20 years after the sample was collected. However, as with blood samples, the quality of the DNA may decrease over time.
Saliva
Saliva is a source of DNA evidence that is commonly found at crime scenes. It is an excellent source of DNA, as it contains cells from the mouth, including white blood cells. However, saliva samples can be challenging to work with, as they are more likely to be contaminated by other sources of DNA.
Several studies have analyzed the lifespan of DNA in saliva samples. One study found that DNA could be extracted from saliva samples that were up to five years old, while another found that DNA in saliva samples could be extracted up to 30 years after the sample was collected. However, as with blood and semen samples, the quality of the DNA may decrease over time.
Hair
Hair can be a source of DNA evidence, but it is one of the most challenging samples to work with. Unlike blood, semen, or saliva, hair does not contain a lot of cells. Instead, DNA is extracted from the hair follicle, which is found at the base of the hair shaft.
Several studies have analyzed the lifespan of DNA in hair samples. One study found that DNA could be extracted from hair samples that were up to 800 years old, while another found that DNA in hair samples could be extracted up to 50 years after the sample was collected. However, as with other samples, the quality of the DNA may decrease over time.
Conclusion
So, how long does DNA evidence last? The answer is that it depends on several different factors. DNA evidence can potentially last for many years, even decades, under the right conditions. However, several factors can impact the lifespan of DNA, including the type of sample, the conditions in which it was stored, and the presence of contaminants.
As technology advances, it is likely that the lifespan of DNA evidence will continue to increase. However, DNA evidence is fragile and must be carefully handled and stored to ensure its longevity and accuracy.
FAQs
What are some of the most common questions people have about the lifespan of DNA evidence?
- Q: How does the age of the sample impact its lifespan?
A: The older the sample, the more likely it is that the DNA will have degraded over time. - Q: Does the type of sample impact its lifespan?
A: Yes, some samples, such as blood and semen, are more likely to yield viable DNA than others, such as skin cells. - Q: Can DNA evidence degrade before it is even analyzed?
A: Yes, DNA can degrade over time, even before it is analyzed. This is why it is crucial to properly store DNA evidence. - Q: How does temperature impact the lifespan of DNA evidence?
A: DNA is more likely to degrade at higher temperatures, so it is crucial to store DNA evidence in a cool, dry place. - Q: How can DNA be contaminated?
A: DNA can be contaminated by other sources of DNA, such as skin cells from the person handling the sample.
References
Here are some of the sources we used to research this article:
- https://www.nij.gov/journals/270/Pages/degradation-dna-evidence.aspx
- https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3297233/
- https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4166834/