Collaborative EDNAP exercises on messenger RNA/DNA co-analysis for body fluid identification (blood, saliva, semen) and STR profiling

Abstract 

RNA profiling is a new method for the identification of forensically relevant biological stains, such as blood, saliva, semen, vaginal secretions, menstrual blood, sweat and skin. To demonstrate the suitability of mRNA profiling for use in forensic casework, three collaborative exercises on RNA analysis or RNA/DNA co-analysis for body fluid identification (blood, saliva, semen) and STR profiling were organized within the European DNA Profiling Group (EDNAP). The results of these collaborative exercises support the potential use of an mRNA-based system for the identification of body fluids along with conventional DNA profiling.

Keywords: Forensic science, mRNA Profiling, Body fluid identification, Blood, Saliva, Semen