Validation of consumables used in the recovery of DNA evidence within Sexual Assault Referral Centres (SARCs).

This study assessed the fitness for purpose of consumables used for the recovery of body-fluids and biological material for subsequent DNA analysis in forensic medical examinations, specifically within Sexual Assault Referral Centres (SARCs). All 55 SARCs in England and Wales participated in this validation exercise by submitting unused critical DNA consumables from their local storage areas. Overall, 261 consumable items identified as forensic DNA grade were assessed for the presence of DNA contamination and 100 % passed testing, demonstrating that consumables purchased under the National Scenes of Crimes Consumables Contract remained fit for purpose, regarding detectable levels of DNA, up to the point of use within the SARCs. In addition, 14 non-forensic DNA grade items were analysed, of which over a third failed due to unsourced DNA contamination, highlighting why it is essential that only forensic DNA grade consumables are used for evidential recovery processes to minimise the risk of contamination.