Cutting-edge methods for the preservation and storage of forensic pathology tissue samples

Nowadays, forensic DNA analysis plays a crucial role in the criminal justice system, particularly in cases of sexual assault, rape, murder, homicide, and mass disasters. The quality of the DNA used for subsequent forensic DNA analyses is an important factor and depends on the collection and preservation of samples prior to DNA extraction. Ideally, tissue samples are preserved immediately upon collection. However, if samples are collected in the field, suitable preservation methods might be limited due to the unavailability of resources or the remoteness of field sites. Moreover, the use of inappropriate chemical preservatives, inadequate storage conditions, and extended sample transit or long-distance shipping can lead to the degradation of DNA quality. This study reviews the collection and preservation of products of conception, fetal and other body tissues, as well as the processes involved in product of conception (POC), fetal tissue decomposition and DNA degradation, and the subsequent challenges in preservation and storage prior to DNA analysis. It also examines the use of centralized evidence storage facilities for the effective preservation of nucleic acids within tissue samples prior to forensic DNA analysis.