Guidelines for DNA Sample Collection
DNA Law - Collection from Deceased Victims
Ensuring accurate and thorough DNA sample collection for forensic analysis, as mandated by Illinois state law.
Proper Sample Preservation
Submission to ISP Labs
DNA Collection Guidelines
Procedures for Collecting DNA Samples from Deceased Victims
Under Public Acts 050-0500 and 050-0484, coroners and medical examiners are required to collect DNA samples from deceased victims in specific circumstances. These guidelines ensure the proper collection and preservation of DNA samples before submission to the Illinois State Police forensic science laboratory. The primary goal is to maintain the integrity of the samples for accurate forensic analysis.
DNA samples must be collected when the victim’s identity is unknown, when the victim is part of a criminal investigation, or when the victim’s DNA may be needed for future identification purposes. Proper preservation methods are crucial to prevent contamination and degradation of the samples.
Preferred DNA Samples
Types of DNA Samples and Preservation Methods
In order of ISP preference:
- Blood and buccal standards. ISP requests both types of samples, if available, for thoroughness. If information about possible blood transfusions is unknown, it is possible that the blood standard could be a mixture. As long as the inner cheek tissue is still pink/fresh looking, a buccal standard should also be collected as an additional standard in the event of a mixture or other question. If the cheek tissue is putrid, then only collect a blood standard. The blood standard should be collected on a filter paper blood card. Buccal samples should be collected on ordinary sterile cotton swabs. Both blood and buccal samples must be dried at room temperature and packaged in paper envelopes or swab boxes (do not use plastic). Before submission to the laboratory, these standards can be maintained at room temperature if collected and packaged as described above.
- If no blood or buccal standard is available, then collect a portion of the psoas muscle (if it still appears fresh). This type of sample should be packaged in a sterile cup (do not add liquid) and submitted in a frozen condition.
- If the psoas muscle is not available, then collect a portion of another deep tissue muscle (if it still appears fresh). This type of sample should be packaged in a sterile cup (do not add liquid) and submitted in a frozen condition.
- If no muscle remains, then collect approximately six (6) inches of rib bone. This type of sample should be packed in a sterile container or plastic bag (do not add liquid to bone samples) and submitted in a frozen condition.
- If no rib bone is available, then collect approximately six (6) inches of femur. This type of sample should be packaged in a sterile container or plastic bag (do not add liquid to bone samples) and submitted in a frozen condition.
Please feel free to contact the local ISP forensic science laboratory for more information of if there are any questions on collecting standards in a particular case. Division of Forensic Services is 217-785-7542.
Get in Touch
If you have any questions about collecting DNA samples or need further information, please don’t hesitate to contact the Illinois State Police forensic science laboratory. We’re here to help with any inquiries regarding the proper procedures and guidelines.