Pulse Lavage System (PLS) versus forensic wet-vacuum collection of biological material

• Published in: Forensic science international : genetics 2023-05, Vol.64, p.102845-102845, Article 102845
• Main Authors: Chaudhry, Hajara S., Kavlick, Mark F.
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: DNA; DNA collection; DNA recovery; DNA yield; Forensic analysis; Forensic Medicine; Humans; M-Vac; Pulse Lavage System; Specimen Handling - methods; Therapeutic Irrigation; Vacuum; Wet-swab; Wet-vacuum
• ISSN: 1872-4973; 1878-0326
• DOI: 10.1016/j.fsigen.2023.102845

Wet-vacuum collection of forensic biological material has been shown to recover greater total DNA yields compared to traditional methods, such as wet swabbing. The Pulse Lavage System (PLS), an orthopedic surgical instrument, was evaluated in comparison to a forensic wet-vacuum device for the DNA collection and recovery of diluted bloodstains from seven substrates of varying porosity. Three different PLS models were evaluated, and each model yielded DNA concentrations which were comparable to the forensic wet-vacuum system, recovering 79–99 % relative to the wet-vacuum, which were overall not statistically different. Our results suggest that the PLS, though intended for medical use, has the potential to serve as an affordable alternative to the forensic wet-vacuum system. However, additional evaluation and modification to the PLS collection method may be warranted for complete optimization. •Wet-vacuum collection of biological material can recover more DNA than swabbing.•Despite the wet-vacuum’s advantages, the upfront cost may hinder its widespread use.•Diluted blood was successfully collected with three different Pulse Lavage Systems.•Collection efficiencies of the Pulse Lavage Systems and wet-vacuum were comparable.