Student Ambassador, Kierra Eckenrode-Fields and her colleagues evaluated the impact of water-based lubricants on human DNA collected from simulated evidence swabs containing body fluids to determine the effect of the lubricants on the STR profile. Their lab recently became aware that lubricants are typically not used when conducting SAFE/SANE kits on sexual assault victims. These individuals have experienced a traumatic event, so improving their comfort during such a difficult time is of the utmost importance. Samples were created by adding a water-based lubricant to Puritan cotton swabs containing blood, semen, saliva, vaginal fluid, or a mixture. The samples were extracted using the automated Qiagen EZ1 DNA Investigator Kit and quantified on a Rotor-Gene Q real-time PCR instrument. STRs were amplified and separated for DNA typing using capillary electrophoresis. The recovered DNA quantity and STR profiles generated from the samples were compared to the STR profiles generated from the neat body fluids to determine the lubricant’s effect on the DNA.
We chatted with Kierra to learn a little more, and if you’ll be at ISHI this September, be sure to stop by during the poster sessions to learn more!
Briefly describe your work/area of interest.
The goal of this project is to determine if sterile water-based lubricants will degrade human DNA collected from SAFE/SANE kits, and how these lubricants will affect the STR profile. While working on this project I collaborated with my mentor Dr. Kelly Elkins along with local law enforcement agencies.
Samples were created by adding a sterile water-based lubricant to cotton swabs. To the swabs either human blood, semen, saliva, or vaginal fluid was added. The samples were extracted using the Qiagen EZ 1 DNA Investigator Kit and quantified on the Rotor Gene Q. Amplification was conducted on the Applied Biosystems Veriti Thermal Cycler using the Qiagen Investigator 24plex QS Kit. At this time our CE instrument is currently not working. Once it is fixed the samples will then be separated using capillary electrophoresis. The STR profiles generated from the samples will be compared to the STR profiles generated from the neat body fluids to determine the lubricant’s effect on the DNA.
The quantitation results have shown no significant difference between the neat samples and the samples containing lubricants. Based on this information we can conclude that sterile water-based lubricants do not significantly degrade human DNA.
How did you become interested in this work? Why did this particular project appeal?
We were asked to work on this project by a local law enforcement agency. I was shocked to learn that lubricants were not being used during SAFE/SANE examinations. While researching this topic, I struggled to find a reason why as there were very few studies out there. That made me realize the importance of this project.
What has been the most rewarding part of working on this project?
SAFE/SANE examinations are very invasive and can be a difficult experience for victims of sexual assault. The most rewarding part of this research project is knowing that I am working on something that will provide a small amount of comfort to those who have experienced an extremely traumatic event.
Are there any further areas of research you think are needed based on your findings?
Due to the fact that our CE instrument is down, I may not be able to generate profiles for my samples. If that is the case further research will need to be conducted to determine if lubricants alter STR profiles in any way.
How do you hope your research will be applied in real-world scenarios?
I hope that this research project will aid in the implementation of using lubricants in SAFE/SANE examinations.
