“Foreign” DNA in tissue adherent to compact bone from tsunami victims

We present two cases of tsunami victim identification where the DNA profile from compact bone gave an authentic DNA profile, while the DNA profiles obtained from adhering soft tissue or bone marrow gave different, incorrect profiles. The source of the contaminating DNA is unclear; the possibility that this occurred via transfer of putrefaction liquid in stacked bodies, or dispersal of contaminating material during conservation with formalin is discussed. We recommend the exclusive use of carefully sampled compact bone without adhering tissue as source of DNA to avoid misidentification in similar cases.