Gleaning a Human DNA Profile from Trace Swabs Collected from Animal Hairs

Animal hairs are an apt surface for retention of forensic trace epithelial samples. The aim of this study was threefold: to evaluate different methods of sample collection (moistened and dry swabs) and DNA extraction (Chelex^® 100 method, Qiagen EZ1^® DNA Investigator Kit), as well as to examine the morphological differences of hair fibres between two species (dog, sheep) and their ultimate impact on sample collection and processing. Our preliminary findings suggest that the use of EZ1^® DNA Investigator Kit yields donor DNA profiles of higher quality. The results of different sample collection methods have shown intraspecific variations that require further investigation. The ability of retention and subsequent extraction of trace DNA appears to be similar between the two species, despite significant morphological differences between their coat hairs.