1Principal Scientific Officer, Biology Division, Central Forensic Science Laboratory (CBI), CGO Complex, New Delhi, India
2Senior Scientific Officer, Biology Division, Central Forensic Science Laboratory (CBI), CGO Complex, Lodhi Road, New Delhi, India
3Ph.D. student, Department of Forensic Medicine and Toxicology, AIIMS, New Delhi, India-110029
4Professor, DNA Laboratory Department of Forensic Medicine and Toxicology, AIIMS, New Delhi, India-110029
*Corresponding author. E-mail address: - drchitta75@rediffmail.com (Dr. Chittaranjan Behera) Mob. No. 9007580064
Online published on 19 June, 2025.
In forensic genetics, establishing paternity and identifying fetal remains are crucial, but traditional techniques have several drawbacks, such as insufficient DNA yields, preservation challenges, and ethical considerations. This study explores the use of umbilical cord blood as a reliable and practical alternative to fetal tissue or neonatal blood for DNA profiling in paternity disputes. Cord blood samples from two cases were analyzed and compared with neonatal blood using automated DNA extraction, multiplex PCR amplification, and STR genotyping. The results demonstrated allelic consistency between cord and neonatal blood profiles, higher DNA yield from cord blood, and no maternal DNA contamination. These findings validate cord blood as an ethical, efficient, and logistically feasible source of DNA for forensic investigations, addressing key limitations of traditional approaches.
Cord, Blood, Forensic, DNA
