Can you get DNA from ashes?

In most cases, the extreme heat of cremation – ranging from 760 – 982°C or 1400 – 1800°F – destroys DNA completely, meaning that it’s not possible to get a viable DNA sample from ashes.

Here, we discuss what happens to DNA during cremation and the alternative options for DNA testing after death.

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What happens to DNA during cremation?

During cremation, the extreme heat – ranging from 760 – 982°C or 1400 – 1800°F – typically destroys DNA completely.

DNA is a delicate molecule that begins to break down at much lower temperatures, meaning that by the time cremation is complete, any genetic material has usually been degraded beyond recovery. The process reduces the body to bone fragments, which are then ground into a fine, ash-like powder. This powder does not contain viable DNA.

Can DNA be extracted from ashes?

In most cases, DNA is completely destroyed during cremation due to the extreme heat, but in rare circumstances, tiny fragments of genetic material might survive.

Some circumstances where viable DNA might remain after cremation, include:

• Bone fragments: While soft tissues and most bone structures are incinerated, certain dense bones, such as teeth or parts of the femur, may sometimes remain partially intact. If the cremation process was incomplete or if fragments were shielded from direct heat exposure, there is a very small chance that some degraded DNA might remain.
• Lower cremation temperatures – Standard cremation temperatures (760 – 982°C or 1400 –1800°F) are high enough to break down all DNA. However, if the temperature was significantly lower than normal, there could be a slightly better chance of DNA preservation. That said, even at lower temperatures, prolonged exposure will still degrade genetic material beyond usability.
• Shortened cremation duration – If the cremation process was stopped earlier than usual, leaving behind larger and less processed bone fragments, there may be a slightly higher chance of extracting some DNA. However, even in these cases, the DNA would likely be highly degraded and difficult to analyse.

Even in rare cases where traces of DNA might remain, the chances of obtaining a usable sample are extremely low. If DNA testing is needed to verify a biological relationship between the deceased and a living relative, it is best to collect a sample such as the deceased’s toenail clippings (prior to cremation) or their used toothbrush, to see if a viable DNA profile can be obtained for testing.

How long after cremation is DNA retrievable?

In most cases, DNA is not retrievable at any time after cremation. The intense heat of the cremation process, which reaches between 760 – 982°C (1400 – 1800°F), typically destroys all genetic material. Unlike burials, where DNA can sometimes be recovered from bones or teeth years later, cremated remains do not contain viable DNA.

What are the alternative options for DNA testing after death?

There are many reasons why people need DNA testing after death, including for emotional closure, a sense of identity and belonging (e.g. where there are questions surrounding a child’s parentage), to make changes to official documents, for inheritance, wills and probate, or for access to additional benefits after a person has passed (e.g. insurance payments or other financial entitlements).

There are several options available for DNA testing after death, including:

DNA testing of living relatives

One of the most common ways of verifying biological relationships after death is to test living relatives.

For example, grandparent and aunt/uncle (avuncular) tests can be used to verify paternity by comparing the DNA of the child with the possible father’s relatives. For these tests, cheek swab DNA samples are collected from the child and the relative being tested.

Alternatively, a sibling DNA test could be performed to determine whether two or more children share the same father.

Y-DNA chromosome testing can be used to verify a relationship via paternal lineage. This is because males from the same paternal line will always share the same Y chromosome. For this test, cheek swab samples are required from the males taking part in the test (e.g. a child and their paternal grandfather or uncle).

Viability testing

If a relative has passed away recently, you can still perform a peace of mind relationship DNA test using alternative DNA samples, such as the deceased’s nail clippings or their used toothbrush, to see if a viable DNA profile can be obtained.

For court-admissible DNA testing – where sample collection is performed under chain of custody conditions – toenail clippings, tissue or blood can be used to obtain a viable DNA profile for testing.

These samples are collected by the coroner or funeral director, who will complete a declaration form at the time of sample collection.

It’s important to note that when testing the DNA of a deceased person, consent must always be obtained from the next of kin to retrieve a sample of their DNA for testing. This applies to peace of mind and court-admissible legal DNA tests.

Where can I get a DNA test on a deceased person?

We understand that ordering a relationship DNA test can be difficult depending on your reasons for wanting a test – especially in circumstances where a loved one has passed away. That’s why we have made the process as straightforward as possible, so you can find the answers you need with our support.

We have over 20 years’ experience helping people connect with family and find out the truth about their biological relationships. All DNA testing is performed at our state-of-the-art ISO 17025-accredited laboratory, and all our DNA tests can be offered for peace of mind or legal/official matters, depending on your needs.

For more information, call our friendly and discreet Customer Services team on 01 402 9466 or email info@alphabiolabs.ie.