Can I Get DNA from Cremation?

For cremation services in Mooreland, IN, it is best to conduct a DNA test before the cremation is done. However, there are instances in which you have to carry out the DNA test on the ashes after cremation. For instance, during an investigation or to make some confirmations.

At this stage, it is not certain if you will derive any DNA from the cremated remains. Even if you can extract some DNA, there are no assurances it will be accurate. Cremation services Mooreland, IN, outline certain factors that determine if you will find DNA at all and if the DNA found will be accurate.

Factors that Determine if You Can Get DNA from Cremation

The factors that influence the chances of getting DNA from cremation include the following:

How Old Are the Remains?

The age of the cremation ashes can either facilitate the likelihood of discovering DNA from the ashes or greatly reduce the chances.

If DNA is stored for a long time, the strength of its accuracy may wane with time. This process may be faster if the DNA is stored in the wrong conditions. For instance, constant exposure to heat and light weakens the DNA or destroys it.

On the other hand, however, age can be an enabling factor. The appliances used for cremation in the past were not as thorough as the tools that are used today. As a result, there is a high probability that larger body fragments, such as bones and teeth, escaped. These can still retain DNA for a long period.

How Thorough Was the Cremation?

How exhaustive the cremation process will also influence the possibility of getting DNA from the body. For instance, there are cases where the body spends a considerable period inside the crematory. When this happens, there is an elevated probability that only a few useful body parts will remain for the DNA test.

Then, how your cremation service handles the cremated remains may also influence the odds. If the body and remains pass through a facility that deals with several bodies, then there are fewer chances that the DNA will survive the process. Does the cremation service maintain the furnace properly, and does it get cleaned after each cremation process?

Taking these precautions will prevent the contamination of the DNA sample and increase the odds of getting accurate readings from such samples.

Are There Any Useful Remains?

Ideally, cremation destroys all useful parts of the body from which you can derive DNA readings. However, there are instances where such parts as the bones and teeth are still intact with DNA trapped inside them.

For instance, through the bones and teeth, medical experts got samples to ascertain the DNA of victims of severe burning incidents such as the 9/11 disaster.

Nonetheless, even if DNA is found, the probability of finding enough samples to give accurate readings is almost always low. Thus, it is always best to take the samples before taking the remains to the crematory.

Conclusion

If you offer cremation services in Mooreland, IN, the best time to do a DNA test is before taking the body for cremation. However, circumstances may warrant you carrying out a DNA test after cremating the body. While the chances of getting an accurate sample greatly reduces, you can still get some readings.

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