Can you get DNA from Fingernails?

Traditionally, the primary source of DNA for genetic study has been blood samples. However, this source’s collection, transportation, and long-term preservation might provide challenges. Here we looked at the possibility of using human nail clippings as a source of DNA for SNP genotyping. A single nail cutting can supply recipient DNA in sufficient amount and quality for the preliminary genotyping needed to identify meaningful molecular markers. Although enough DNA is present in fingernail clippings, the recovery rate is lower, and the DNA is more highly fragmented than when DNA is isolated from peripheral blood. In this blog, we are going to discuss if there is there DNA in fingernails and its importance in today’s world

Do Nails have DNA?

Indeed, DNA is present in nails. The tissue underneath the nail base, known as the nail matrix, is where the DNA is mostly located in the cells that comprise it. Nails are composed of keratin, a protein, but the cells that make keratin also contain the DNA of the individual. Consequently, if a person’s nail sample is available and contains live cells, it may be utilized for DNA analysis.

For more than 20 years, keratinous tissues like hair, nails, horns, scales, and feathers have been employed as sources of DNA. These tissues have certain advantages, such as being relatively stable once sampled, being easy to sample, and, in the case of ancient genetic investigations, often causing minimum visible harm to important specimens during the collection process. However, compared to other tissues like blood and muscle, the quantity and quality of DNA in the completely keratinized portions of these tissues is incredibly low, even when the sample is taken fresh.

Are Nails a good source of DNA?

Nails have been shown via extensive testing by our in-house experts to be a reliable source of DNA. The sample collection methods are less intrusive than taking a blood sample or using mouth swabs. Without the aid of an expert sample collector or a collection kit, nail clippings can be easily collected on one’s own. Since the collected nails are stable, they may be sent to the lab for processing via regular mail and kept for an extended period at room temperature. Nail DNA testing may be performed on fingernails as well as toenails. Larger nails are ideal, and the best place to take cuttings is as close to the nail bed as you can get to get more sample for analysis. There is less chance of contamination when utilizing toenails as opposed to fingernails.

What are the applications of a Fingernail DNA Testing?

Nail samples can be utilized in court proceedings as well as peace of mind tests, but it’s crucial to get permission before sending any samples in for analysis. The nail samples would need to be gathered following chain of custody guidelines for the results to be legally defended. This implies that the people who are legally tasked with guaranteeing the veracity of the DNA test findings do not lose control of the nail samples.

Nail DNA testing is mostly utilized in the event of an individual’s demise It can be used to confirm blood lineage through DNA ancestry test. To process a deceased person’s nail sample, authorization would be required from the deceased person’s next of kin or another eligible family member.

What is the use of DNA Fingernail extraction in Forensic science?

Fingernail material can be a valuable source of DNA for forensic examination. DNA extraction processes are more complicated than those used with fresh somatic cells due to the unique structure and content of fingernails, which contain DNA in keratinized cells. Thus, certain chemicals are needed to lyse the keratinized area and make the DNA material easier to access. Biological evidence can be shared between the attacker and the victim during a physical attack. For example, if the victim scratches the attacker, skin cells or DNA under fingernails can be found. For this reason, nail evidence is routinely gathered and forwarded to the crime laboratory by professionals such as medical examiners and sexual assault nurses.

How Nail DNA Testing Function?

Scientific research has always taken skin or blood samples for DNA extraction however a new question arises is there DNA in fingernails? The answer to it is that compared to other body fluids like blood or saliva, the concentration of DNA in nails is lower. Nail clippings can nevertheless, however, often yield a DNA profile, particularly if a sizable enough sample is taken. To get the best results from a nail DNA test, you need to collect a sample of five to ten nail clippings. The possibility of viability increases with the number of clippings available. Following receipt of the nail clipping sample, the testing service will assess its viability to make sure that sufficient DNA can be recovered for significant findings.

Conclusion

The practice of analyzing DNA using nail samples has been around for a long time.
For many years, a wide range of businesses have embraced nail DNA testing as a dependable identification technique. Nail DNA testing can even be used to legally verify paternity in some situations. Sometimes the cost of nail DNA testing is lower than that of other kinds, including blood testing. Certain DNA testing providers such as Face DNA Test may charge less for nail sample analysis compared to blood samples.