Cremated Remains Testing
Cremated remains, also known as cremains or ashes, can sometimes be submitted for laboratory testing when questions arise about their identity, composition, or potential toxicological significance. Depending on the material available and the purpose of testing, analysis may include DNA testing, cremation verification, heavy metal testing, or chemical evaluation.
Can you get DNA from ashes? In some cases, DNA testing may be possible from material that remains after cremation. However, cremation exposes remains to intense heat that can severely damage DNA, so successful DNA recovery or a complete DNA profile cannot be guaranteed. The condition and composition of the submitted material are important factors in determining whether testing may be appropriate.
When other premortem or postmortem samples from the deceased are available, they may provide additional testing options. These should be considered before relying on cremated remains as the only available sample.
Can You Get DNA From Cremated Ashes?
Yes, it is sometimes possible to recover DNA from cremated remains, particularly when suitable skeletal material has survived the cremation process. However, the amount and condition of recoverable DNA can vary considerably.
Cremation can cause extensive DNA degradation, making analysis more challenging than testing many non-cremated biological samples. In some circumstances, surviving bone or other suitable material may retain genetic information that can be analyzed.
Factors that may affect the potential for DNA testing include:
- The degree of heat exposure during cremation
- The duration and conditions of the cremation process
- Whether bone or tooth material remains
- The amount and condition of the material submitted
- Storage and handling after cremation
- Potential contamination or other factors affecting the sample
Because every cremated remains sample is different, laboratory evaluation is necessary to determine what testing may be appropriate.
If DNA testing is being considered for identification or comparison, DNA analysis can provide information about the genetic testing process and available options.
Does Cremation Destroy DNA?
Cremation can severely degrade and destroy DNA because of the intense heat involved. DNA in soft tissue is particularly vulnerable to thermal destruction. However, genetic material may sometimes remain in surviving skeletal material, depending on the degree of burning and the condition of the material.
The extent of DNA degradation can vary depending on the degree of heat exposure and the condition of the remaining material. This means there is no simple yes-or-no answer to whether DNA can be recovered after cremation.
The condition of the specific material needs to be considered before determining whether DNA testing may be appropriate.
What Affects DNA Testing From Cremated Remains?
The possibility of recovering DNA from cremated remains depends on several factors. The amount of time since cremation is only one consideration; the condition of the remaining material and the extent of thermal damage are also important.
Heat Exposure
High temperatures can damage DNA and alter the physical structure of bone. More severely burned material can present greater challenges for DNA recovery.
Bone and Tooth Material
If bone or tooth material remains after cremation, it may provide an opportunity for DNA analysis. The suitability of the material depends on its condition and the extent of thermal damage.
Sample Condition
The amount, composition, and condition of the submitted material can affect the testing process. Highly degraded or limited material may produce little or no usable DNA.
Storage and Handling
The way cremated remains are stored and handled after cremation can also be relevant when evaluating a sample. Contamination from external DNA may be an additional consideration when working with compromised forensic material.
What Type of Sample Is Best for DNA Testing After Cremation?
When available, surviving bone or tooth material may provide a better opportunity for DNA analysis than finely processed ash. Some skeletal material can retain genetic information after substantial thermal exposure, although successful DNA recovery is not guaranteed.
If cremated remains contain identifiable bone fragments, those materials may be considered as part of the laboratory evaluation. The appropriate material to test depends on what is present in the submitted sample.
If other biological samples from the deceased are available, they should also be considered. Depending on the circumstances, potential alternatives may include samples retained by a medical examiner, hospital, hospice, physician, or other healthcare provider.
If you are unsure which samples may be suitable, the laboratory can help you understand the available testing options.
What Can Be Tested in Cremated Remains?
The type of testing available depends on the material submitted and the questions being investigated. Cremated remains may be considered for several types of laboratory evaluation.
DNA Testing
DNA testing may be considered when the submitted cremated remains contain material with potentially recoverable genetic information. The purpose may be to determine whether a usable DNA profile can be obtained for comparison with an appropriate reference sample.
Because cremation can cause extensive DNA degradation, successful DNA recovery is not guaranteed.
Cremation Verification
Testing may also be requested when there are questions about the composition or identity of material represented as cremated remains. The appropriate evaluation depends on the characteristics of the submitted sample and the question being investigated.
Heavy Metal Testing
Where there is a specific concern about exposure to heavy metals, cremated remains may be considered as a test sample. The appropriate analytical approach depends on the substance being investigated and the characteristics of the material.
Chemical Evaluation
Cremated remains may also be evaluated for certain chemicals or toxicological substances. The appropriate testing depends on the substance of interest and the condition of the submitted material.
For cases where chemical analysis is required, GC-MS testing may be considered depending on the substance being investigated and the characteristics of the sample.
When Should Cremated Remains Be Considered for Testing?
Cremated remains may be considered when other suitable premortem or postmortem samples are unavailable or cannot be accessed.
Other potential samples may include:
- Samples retained by a medical examiner
- Autopsy specimens
- Hospital or hospice specimens
- Samples retained by a treating physician or healthcare facility
- Hair collected before cremation, where available
Other biological samples may provide additional or more suitable material for certain types of testing. For this reason, it is useful to determine what samples may be available before submitting cremated remains.
Cremated remains can still be considered when other suitable samples are unavailable. The limitations of the available material should be understood before testing begins.
What Is Involved in Submitting Cremated Remains for Testing?
Before submitting cremated remains, it is important to provide accurate information about the sample and the circumstances surrounding the testing request.
If you decide to submit cremated remains for testing, you can complete the Cremains Acknowledgement Form to provide information about the sample and testing request.
A Chain of Custody Form may also be appropriate when documented handling and transfer of the sample are required.
When preparing a sample for testing, it is also useful to determine whether other biological material from the deceased may be available. Providing relevant background information can help the laboratory understand the testing requested and the analytical questions being investigated.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can You Get DNA From Cremation Ashes?
Sometimes. DNA recovery from cremated remains may be possible when suitable material, such as surviving skeletal material, is present. However, cremation can severely degrade DNA, so successful recovery and profiling cannot be guaranteed.
Can Ashes Be DNA Tested?
Yes, cremated remains can be submitted for DNA testing in appropriate circumstances. The likelihood of obtaining usable DNA depends on the condition and composition of the material available for analysis.
Is There DNA in Cremated Ashes?
There may be recoverable genetic material in some cremated remains, particularly when portions of bone or other skeletal material have survived. However, the amount and quality of DNA can vary substantially after cremation.
Does Cremation Completely Destroy DNA?
Cremation can destroy or severely degrade much of the DNA present in a body, but genetic material may sometimes survive in burned skeletal material. The degree of DNA preservation depends on factors such as thermal exposure and the condition of the remaining material.
How Accurate Is DNA Testing From Ashes?
The accuracy of DNA analysis depends first on whether sufficient, suitable genetic material can be recovered. If a reliable DNA profile is obtained, it may be suitable for comparison with an appropriate reference sample. Highly degraded or insufficient DNA may instead produce a partial or inconclusive result.
Can You Identify a Person From Ashes?
Identification may be possible if a suitable DNA profile can be recovered from the cremated remains and an appropriate reference sample is available for comparison. However, identification cannot be guaranteed because DNA recovery from cremated material can be challenging.
What Type of Sample Is Best for DNA Testing After Cremation?
Surviving bone or tooth material may provide a better opportunity for DNA analysis than finely processed ash. The suitability of a particular sample depends on its condition and degree of thermal damage.
How Long After Cremation Can DNA Be Tested?
There is no single time limit that determines whether DNA testing can be attempted. The condition and composition of the cremated remains, degree of thermal damage, storage, handling, and potential contamination are important considerations when evaluating a sample.
Can Cremated Remains Be Tested for Poison or Toxins?
Cremated remains may be considered for certain toxicology or chemical analyses, including testing for some toxins, poisons, heavy metals, or other substances. The appropriate testing depends on the substance being investigated and the characteristics of the sample.
Need Help With Cremated Remains Testing?
If you have cremated remains that you would like to have evaluated, contact The Carlson Company to discuss cremated remains testing and the available testing options. Our team can help you understand what information and samples may be needed based on the circumstances of your case.
Whether you are considering DNA testing, toxicology analysis, or another type of evaluation, discussing the available options before submitting a sample can help you determine an appropriate testing approach.
