What is cremation?
Cremation is the process of using intense heat to reduce a human body to ashes with bone fragments.
- The temperature used to perform this process ranges from 1400 to 1600 degrees. It should be noted that each state has different standards of producing cremation ashes.
- The length of time for cremation to be completed can range anywhere from 30 minutes like the cases of stillborns up to 2 hours on the adult body size.
- The body of the deceased is placed on table in front of the incinerator unit. The door of the cremation chamber will be opened, and the container (with the deceased body) will be placed inside the primary chamber. Usually this is performed manually with the aid of cardboard rollers or with mechanical rolling conveyor loader. The stainless disc with number/id will be placed inside the cremation chamber with the remains.
- Once the process is completed the cremated remains will be placed in plastic storage bag and placed inside of an urn.
Can You Get DNA From A Cremated Body
Yes. It is possible for DNA to obtained from cremated remains. But highly unlikely that DNA at least for the use of DNA testing could be used on a consistent basis.
The extreme heat of the cremation process often times will destroy the genetic material. Therefore, if you are going to use bone fragments to help determine paternity. The likelihood of a result being produced on a consistent basis is slim.
It should also be noted that ashes would not be a good option to extract DNA from.
Can DNA from bone in ashes be used to perform a paternity test?
Yes, Technically. The bone found in the ashes could potentially be used to extract DNA and tested to help determine the paternity of a child. But many labs in the industry may not test bones from cremation due to the damage from the excess heat temperature DNA may have endured during the entire cremation process.
Frequently Asked Questions:
How long does it take for the DNA to be extracted from the ashes?
There is no timetable for DNA extraction from ashes because DNA cannot be extracted from ashes.
What is the cost of DNA extraction from cremated remains?
Generally, prices range from around $1500 and up.
DNA Testing
It is important to note, that the extraction of DNA has to come from bone not from ashes. The bones that are best recommended to be used to acquire DNA is the femur and tooth (molars).
Being that cremation of a body would make acquiring a strong genetic sample a good viable option unlikely. It recommended if you believe there is a question about paternity. Acquiring an alternative sample prior to the cremation is recommended.
Is it possible to extract DNA from cremated remains that are several years old?
It may be possible if the ashes have bone fragments and the bone has not been degraded terribly.
Conclusion
In closing, Is it possible to extract DNA from cremated remains? Yes, but it is unlikely that most cases of producing a complete genetic profile will be successful.
If you are in need of determining a biological relationship is best to try to acquire an alternative sample like hair, blood or a buccal cheek swab samples from the coroners office.