The effect of freezing, thawing and long-term storage on forensic DNA extracts

Following forensic DNA profiling (extraction, quantification and STR typing) the remaining extract is generally stored frozen. Our routine at the Swedish National Forensic Centre is to immediately after analysis freeze the sample. If a subsequent reanalysis is needed the sample is thawed and then refrozen. In this study the effects of freezing and thawing as well as long-term storage of DNA extracts in refrigerator or freezer have been investigated. The following sample types were extracted: two levels of blood and saliva, saliva on cigarette filter paper, saliva on cotton swabs and a combination of saliva and semen to mimic samples from sexual assaults. All extraction methods used were Chelex-based, DNA quantification was performed using PowerQuant System and STR profiling with PowerPlex ESX 16 Fast System. The study was divided into three parts: 1) freezing and thawing the extracts up to ten times, 2) storage in refrigerator or freezer up to four weeks and 3) long-term storage in refrigerator or freezer for 3, 6, 9, 12 and 35 months. Generally, the quantification and STR typing results show no indication of degradation after repeated freezing and thawing or long-term storage in refrigerator or freezer.