Is DNA Testing Possible After Cremation?

Cremation causes the family to bestow a huge amount of trust in the people who care for the deceased. It's their responsibility to see the deceased is properly cared for throughout the cremation process. They must also ensure the cremains they give to you are in fact those of your beloved deceased and not someone else. Many families are fearful of this, and since human error is real, DNA testing occurs by acquiring DNA from cremated ashes.

DNA tests are also performed when people are killed in fires and their identities need to be confirmed.

Can You Get DNA From Cremated Remains?

Yes. DNA testing is often done on the bodies of the dead, even after they’ve been cremated.

The immense heat of the cremation ovens breaks down the body's organic matter, leaving bone fragments and teeth behind as they don’t disintegrate during the cremation process. The actual ashes are thus useless as they won't contain DNA. But the bones and teeth could potentially hold some DNA viable for analysis.

Fire can, however, damage DNA beyond recognition. How much you’re able to identify through DNA testing on burnt remains varies from situation to situation.

How Long After Cremation is DNA Retrievable?

A very long time, which is why DNA is such a valuable tool. Decades or more after a person dies, it is still possible to extract and test DNA.

This doesn’t mean DNA lasts forever though. As the body decomposes or is exposed to the elements, less and less DNA is available for testing.

Conclusion

DNA testing is entirely up to the family and what will make them feel at ease. There are also many other interesting facts about cremation that may interest you.