APPLICATION OF DNA FILTER HYBRIDIZATION AND PCR TO DISTINGUISH BETWEEN HUMAN AND NONHUMAN TISSUES OF POOR QUALITY

The present report describes a novel approach for the identification o f human or non-human specimens after long-term storage in a badly pres erved state. The application of the PCR-technique (polymerase chain re action) using human-specific primers as well as Southern blot (filter) hybridization of the sample DNA to a primate-specific DNA probe enabl ed us to extend the positive identification beyond the limits of conve ntional methods such as serological or morphological examinations.