Touch DNA is often referred as low copy number (LCN) DNA. It has been widely and increasingly being used as evidence in forensic casework. A systematic, collective and extensive efforts have been made to collect touch DNA from numerous substrates; such as human skin, interiors of latex gloves, lip prints, steering wheels, door handles, tool grips and shafts. Among possible substrates, clothing is considered as common source of important evidences for forensic DNA analysis in criminal investigations, e.g. mainly in sexual assault cases. It is known that touch DNA can be recovered from the bodies and clothing of rape victims. Collecting the samples with touch DNA is tough task to acquire as a little amount is deposited when compared with blood stains and other bodily fluids. It is a challenge analysis touch DNA and blend it to fit the context of the crime. During investigation of a potential sexual assault crime, forensic examiners would generally focus on searching and collecting skin cells from reported areas of contact on the victims skin and clothing.
Last date updated on March, 2024