Forensic entomology, the study of insects associated with forensic procedures, aims to gather information and traces that can assist an investigation, demonstrating the importance of both science and legal processes (Thyssen, 2011). Among the various uses of insects in investigations, entomogenetics combines forensic genetic techniques and the versatility of entomology.
Individual identification of urinary samples is necessary when sample switching or handling are suspected during a judicial process. To improve the rate of successful genotyping of urinary samples, we examined the stability of DNA in urinary samples stored for up to 30 days. Urinary samples from 20 healthy individuals (10 males and 10 females) were stored at -80°C with different concentrations of EDTA (0, 10 and 40 mM). Urinary DNA was extracted at days 0, 3, 9, and 30 after collection. The Quantifiler Human DNA Quantification Kit was used for measuring DNA concentration.
Allele frequencies of 30 insertion/deletion polymorphism (InDel) markers previously selected and validated for forensic purposes were assessed in 419 unrelated individuals originating from five different populations of P.R. China, including Chinese Han, Chinese Hui, Uighur, Mongolians, and Tibetans.
