PCR Analysis from Cigaret Butts, Postage Stamps, Envelope Sealing Flaps, and Other Saliva-Stained Material

The polymerase chain reaction (PCR) has offered the forensic scientist a new range of sensitivity in the examination of forensic samples. PCR has been successfully used to amplify specific DNA fragments from extremely small amounts of DNA present on cigaret butts (1 ,2 ), postage stamps (3 ), envelope sealing flaps, and other saliva-stained materials (4 ). In addition to DNA typing results, it is at times desirable to confirm the presence of saliva by the simultaneous employment of an amylase assay. This chapter describes methods that are routinely and successfully used on forensic casework samples.