Can You Get DNA from Ashes?
When someone dies, sometimes families and loved ones find themselves questioning things that they may not have otherwise considered. Sometimes questions arise around health issues (and precautions living relatives should take if a disease is hereditary), paternity questions, and other types of uncertainties. These questions aren’t always answerable, but genetic testing can offer peace of mind in many situations. But what if your loved one was cremated? Can you get DNA from cremation ashes? Is there any DNA in ashes? This article aims to answer these questions and provide you with context that can be helpful when considering genetic testing.
Can you get DNA from cremated ashes?
To answer this question, it can first help to give you an overview of what the cremation process actually looks like. It typically begins with the preparation of the body, which includes removing any items such as jewelry or medical devices. The body is then placed in a cremation container and transferred to a cremation chamber, also known as a retort. Inside the retort, the body is exposed to high temperatures ranging from 1400 to 1800 degrees Fahrenheit, facilitated by the use of flames, jets, or electrical heating elements. This intense heat reduces the body to bone fragments, known as cremated remains or ashes. After cooling, the remains are processed to remove any remaining metal, and then pulverized to achieve a consistent texture. Finally, the ashes are placed in a container, typically an urn, which can be kept by the family, scattered in a designated area, or interred in a cemetery or memorial site.
So, with all of that in mind, can you get DNA from cremation ashes? The answer is almost always no, you cannot. The intense heat of the cremation process typically destroys any DNA that was present in the remains. Extracting DNA from cremated remains is not possible once the body has been reduced to ash. There are some companies that offer DNA testing on cremated remains but have stated that success rates and reliability rates are generally quite low due to the quality of the sample.
How is post-mortem genetic testing performed?
Post-mortem genetic testing means taking samples like tissues or blood from the deceased. (A consent form is typically required to be signed by the next of kin before this is possible.) Scientists then extract DNA from the samples and analyze it using different types of “genome sequencing”. This information is then compared to other known genetic information (provided by individuals in the family, for example) and can be used to determine genetic similarities and differences.
Why would someone want to have a post-mortem genetic test performed?
There are several reasons why someone might choose to have a post-mortem genetic test performed:
- Medical and genetic research: Post-mortem genetic testing can contribute to medical and genetic research. By analyzing the DNA of deceased individuals, researchers can gain insights into genetic conditions, diseases, and inherited traits. This information can help advance scientific knowledge and potentially lead to improved diagnostics, treatments, or preventive measures.
- Understanding inherited conditions: Post-mortem genetic testing can provide answers regarding the presence of inherited conditions within a family. It can help identify specific genetic mutations or variants that may have contributed to the individual's health issues or contributed to the cause of death. This knowledge can be valuable for family members in understanding their own genetic risks or making informed decisions about their health.
- Legal and forensic investigations: In certain cases, post-mortem genetic testing may be requested for legal or forensic purposes. This can include identifying the deceased individual, resolving paternity or familial relationships, or providing evidence in criminal investigations.
- Genetic counseling and family planning: The results of post-mortem genetic testing can offer important information for genetic counseling and family planning. If a genetic condition is identified, it can help family members assess their own risks of inheriting the condition and make informed decisions about reproductive options or potential interventions.
- Closure and peace of mind: For some individuals, undergoing post-mortem genetic testing can provide closure and peace of mind. It allows them to gain a better understanding of the genetic factors that may have influenced their loved one's health or contributed to their passing. It can help answer lingering questions or provide a sense of clarity about the genetic aspects of their family's medical history.
If you were hoping for genetic testing on a cremated loved one, it can help to consult with the few companies (such as EasyDNA) that provide this service. It can also help to reach out to a genetic counselor to see if there are other ways you can access the information that is important to you – such as performing genetic tests on living relatives.
