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Description

Background

Genetic analysis has become the mainstay of forensic identification protocols. Oral fluids including saliva are invariably present in crime and disaster scenarios; their availability probably exceeding that of conventional sources like blood. Due to the intrinsic nature of fluids, the substrates may be degraded due to time delay and environmental exposure. Therefore, a review of the reliability and practicality of saliva in forensic analysis is warranted.

Objectives

This review is designed and planned to present and critically analyze the most relevant clinical trials on the application of saliva in forensic settings in order to assess the reliability of saliva for DNA analysis.

Data sources and eligibility criteria

Thorough literature search was performed via Pubmed/Medline database, the Cochrane Trial register and Clinical Trial registry of India. Only the clinical trials that specifically mentioned the use of saliva for DNA analysis were eligible and included. Eight trials were included for the analysis.

Study appraisal

Customized data collection were generated and compiled by two independent evaluators. Risk assessment and qualitative synthesis was performed.

Results and conclusions

Using qualitative thematic synthesis, it was observed that saliva, especially whole saliva, collected in specific kits under stabilization, was a sufficient source of DNA, especially for PCR and genotyping methods, irrespective of environmental conditions and time delay. The observations indicate that saliva is a reliable and practical source of DNA for forensic settings.

Disciplines

Dentistry | Health Services Research | Medical Education

Document Type

Event

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B1: Determination of reliability and practicality of saliva as a genetic source by analyzing DNA yield in forensic investigation : A systematic review”

Background

Genetic analysis has become the mainstay of forensic identification protocols. Oral fluids including saliva are invariably present in crime and disaster scenarios; their availability probably exceeding that of conventional sources like blood. Due to the intrinsic nature of fluids, the substrates may be degraded due to time delay and environmental exposure. Therefore, a review of the reliability and practicality of saliva in forensic analysis is warranted.

Objectives

This review is designed and planned to present and critically analyze the most relevant clinical trials on the application of saliva in forensic settings in order to assess the reliability of saliva for DNA analysis.

Data sources and eligibility criteria

Thorough literature search was performed via Pubmed/Medline database, the Cochrane Trial register and Clinical Trial registry of India. Only the clinical trials that specifically mentioned the use of saliva for DNA analysis were eligible and included. Eight trials were included for the analysis.

Study appraisal

Customized data collection were generated and compiled by two independent evaluators. Risk assessment and qualitative synthesis was performed.

Results and conclusions

Using qualitative thematic synthesis, it was observed that saliva, especially whole saliva, collected in specific kits under stabilization, was a sufficient source of DNA, especially for PCR and genotyping methods, irrespective of environmental conditions and time delay. The observations indicate that saliva is a reliable and practical source of DNA for forensic settings.