Touch DNA

Type: Concept

As of November 2026, Touch DNA has been mentioned in one podcast episode on Dateline NBC (Nov 2025).

Touch DNA, also known as Trace DNA, is a forensic method for analyzing DNA left at the scene of a crime. It is called "touch DNA" because it only requires very small samples, for example from the skin cells left on an object after it has been touched or casually handled, or from footprints. Touch DNA analysis only requires seven or eight cells from the outermost layer of human skin. The technique has been criticized for high rates of false positives due to contamination—for example, fingerprint

Touch DNA at a glance
Mentioned in	1 episode on 1 podcast (as of November 2026)
First heard	Nov 2025 on Dateline NBC
Field	Forensic Science

Who talks about Touch DNA on podcasts?

Touch DNA came up; the most recent mention was Nov 2025 on Dateline NBC.

Talking Dateline: “The Trouble in Bardstown" with Lester Holt and Andrea Canning | Dateline on Dateline NBC (Nov 2025)

What is Touch DNA mentioned alongside?

Touch DNA is most often mentioned alongside Bonnie Freeman, Deline True Crime Weekly and Episode Sponsor: NBC.

Mentioned together: Bonnie Freeman, Deline True Crime Weekly, Episode Sponsor: NBC, Mayberry, Kentucky State Police, First Responders, Crystal Rogers, Kentucky, Bourbon Trail, Lester Holt