1. Procedures for collection and forwarding of samples for DNA fingerprinting analysis
2. Forwarding Note
3. Identification form

Frequently asked questions on DNA Fingerprinting Examination

1. What is DNA?

   DNA (Deoxyribonucleic acid), the chemical basis of life that complexes with proteins to form the chromosomes. Structurally, DNA is a double helix-two thread like long strand of genetic material spiraled around each other. DNA is a pol ymer of deoxyribonucleotides composed of Base [Adenine (A), Thymine (T), Guanine (G), Cytosine (C)], Sugar and a Phosphate. The sequential arrangement of the individual nucleotides is responsible for giving uniqueness to any individual living form, be it humans, animals, plants, or microbes.

2. What is DNA fingerprinting?

   It is a technique, by which an individual can be identified at molecular level. With the advancement of science and technology STR analysis has become very popular in forensic laboratories. Scientists have chosen repeating sequences in the DNA, which are present in all individuals on different chromosomes, and are known to vary from individual to individual except in identical twins. These are used as genetic markers to identify the individ ual.

3. What is the use of DNA fingerprinting technology?

   DNA fingerprinting technology has made it possible to identify the source of biological samples found at scenes of crime. This will resolve disputes of maternity /paternity, identification of mutilated remains, identification of rape/ murder, identification of missing child, exchange of babies in hospital wards, forensic wildlife, protection of farmers rights and biodiversity. This remarkable technology provides exclusion as well as positive identification with virtually 100% precisio n.

4. Are the latent fingerprint and DNA fingerprinting the same?

   No. They are different. Latent fingerprint is the identification of the individual by the impression of the fingers. DNA fingerprinting is the identification of an individual by the genetic markers, which are present on chromosomes.

5. Is there any chance of DNA profile being the same among the individuals related or non-related?

   DNA profile of an individual is unique. It can never be identical even in biologically related individuals except for the identical (monozygotic) twins.

6. What are the samples required for DNA fingerprinting examination?

   Any biological material such as a drop of blood, saliva, semen, and any body part such as bones, tissue, skull, teeth, hair with root etc found at the scene of crime.

7. What are the samples required for establishing maternity/paternity/parentage?

   Blood samples of mother, disputed child and alleged father.

   Blood samples (2-3 ml) can be collected in the sterile blood collection material (EDTA vials) being sent by us, in the presence of Honble Court authorities. These samples should be sent in ice in a thermos flask either by a messenger or through courier, so as to reach CDFD within 72 hours after collection.

8. What are the samples required for establishing identity of the deceased?

   Any body part of the deceased found at the scene of crime along with the blood samples of the blood relatives of the deceased (viz., parents, children).

9. What are the samples required for establishing identity of rape/rapist?

   Blood/semen stained clothes, garments, swabs, slides etc. of the victim and the accused.

10. What are the preservatives to be used in collecting and forwarding samples?

    The following procedure has to be followed to forward the exhibits duly packed and sealed:
    
    
    

    Teeth, Hair with root, Bones (intact)*	:	Wrapped with a dry paper or cloth * Complete burnt bones and ash are not useful for analysis
    Seminal swabs	:	The dry cotton swab should be placed in a clean dry glass vial/bottle
    Muscle tissues	:	About 100 gm of muscle tissue should be sent in a clean glass bottle/plastic container with 0.9% DNS (normal saline sold in medical shops) on ice or in crystal salt (sodium chloride) as a preservative. Tissue samples should not be preserved in formalin.
    Bloodstains	:	Wrapped with a dry paper or cloth

    All the samples should be properly collected and sealed and sent to CDFD under certification along with specimen seal for comparison. The samples should reach CDFD between 10:00 am to 5:00 pm on any working day (Monday to Friday).

11. What are the charges for DNA fingerprinting test?
    1. Rs.5,000/- for each blood sample/person
    2. Rs.10,000/- for each forensic exhibit analyzed
    3. Extra 12.36% (w.e.f. 01/04/2007) service charge as levied by Government of India

12. What is the mode of payment of charges?

    Through a crossed demand draft drawn in favour of Director, CDFD payable at Hyderabad.

13. What are the forms to be submitted along with the samples?
    • A Forwarding note to forward the exhibits (can be downloaded Forwarding Note from our web site).
    • Identification form with two passport size photographs duly attested, one should be pasted on the space provided and the other stapled (can be downloaded Identification form from our web site).
    • Valid proof of identity of the messenger.

14. How do we accept the cases?

    Cases should be forwarded either by the Honble Court/ Police Officer of the rank of Inspector of Police or above.

15. Does CDFD accept private cases?

    No. Only cases referred by law enforcement agencies or a court of law are accepted at CDFD for DNA fingerprinting.

16. Does CDFD accept cases to establish biological relationship for kidney transplantation purposes, being forwarded by the hospital authorities?.

    No. CDFD does not accept cases to establish biological relationship for kidney transplantation purposes forwarded by the hospital authorities. However, such cases will be accepted if they are forwarded by the Judiciary / Law Enforcement agencies / Organ Transplantation Authorization Committee / Government authorities.

17. How long does it take for the analysis and submission of reports?

    Samples will be analyzed on priority basis. With the present work load at CDFD, reports for establishing paternity/maternity/biological relationship could take 15-30 days or more and rape/identity may be 30-60 days or more.

18. Does CDFD provide a copy of the report to the individuals?

    No. The report is only submitted to the forwarding authority, in a sealed cover.

19. Does CDFD defend its reports in Honble Courts?

    Yes. However, the CDFD expert has to be paid TA/DA as per rules of CDFD in addition to providing security to the DNA examiner.

20. If there are any other related questions where can I get the answers?

    Please send your queries if any by e-mail to dfp@cdfd.org.in addressing it to Director, CDFD, Hyderabad-76.