A review of the methodological aspects of aspartic acid racemization analysis for use in forensic science

TY - JOUR

T1 - A review of the methodological aspects of aspartic acid racemization analysis for use in forensic science

AU - Waite, E. R.

AU - Collins, M. J.

AU - Ritz-Timme, S.

AU - Schutz, H. W.

AU - Cattaneo, C.

AU - Borrman, H. I.M.

PY - 1999/7/26

Y1 - 1999/7/26

N2 - Accurate age determination of adult cadavers and human remains is a key requirement in forensic practice. The current morphological methods lack accuracy and precision, require specialist training and are costly. The use of aspartic acid racemization (AAR) in human dentine provides a simple, cost-effective solution and the method can achieve accuracies of ±3 years at best. Currently, there are differences in AAR methodology between laboratories which produce different results on the rate of racemization in teeth. These inconsistencies must be resolved if the technique is to be successfully applied to age determinations in forensic cases. This paper reviews the differences in protocol which have been used, discusses how each method will affect the results obtained from AAR analysis and gives recommendations for optimization of the methological protocol as a first step towards international standardization. Copyright (C) 1999 Elsevier Science Ireland Ltd.

AB - Accurate age determination of adult cadavers and human remains is a key requirement in forensic practice. The current morphological methods lack accuracy and precision, require specialist training and are costly. The use of aspartic acid racemization (AAR) in human dentine provides a simple, cost-effective solution and the method can achieve accuracies of ±3 years at best. Currently, there are differences in AAR methodology between laboratories which produce different results on the rate of racemization in teeth. These inconsistencies must be resolved if the technique is to be successfully applied to age determinations in forensic cases. This paper reviews the differences in protocol which have been used, discusses how each method will affect the results obtained from AAR analysis and gives recommendations for optimization of the methological protocol as a first step towards international standardization. Copyright (C) 1999 Elsevier Science Ireland Ltd.

KW - Age at death determination

KW - Aspartic acid racemization

KW - Dentine

KW - Methodology

UR - http://www.scopus.com/inward/record.url?scp=0032793240&partnerID=8YFLogxK

U2 - 10.1016/S0379-0738(99)00081-X

DO - 10.1016/S0379-0738(99)00081-X

M3 - Journal article

C2 - 10481264

AN - SCOPUS:0032793240

SN - 0379-0738

VL - 103

SP - 113

EP - 124

JO - Forensic Science International

JF - Forensic Science International

IS - 2

ER -