ABSTRACT
DNA storage is important to ensure integrity of DNA sample and maintain its availability while investigations. The best known condition for storage of DNA samples is by using Tris-EDT [TE]; as preservative agent, stored at -80[degree sign]C. A potential alternative to TE is trehalose which could stabilize any biological molecule at room temperature [RT]. Assessment of the optimal storage conditions which maintains quality of blood DNA samples with economical advantage. A case-control study using 8 groups of human blood DNA stored at 2 different temperatures [-80 [degree sign]C,RT] and preserved by using TE and trehalose. The effectiveness of storage conditions were tested at certain intervals [at set-up then after 3 and 6 month] using PCR assay of 18s ribosomal gene to evaluate DNA quality. DNA was assessed by running yield gels. PCR success rate were 43.8% and 62.8% using TE and trehalose respectively. After 6 months, PCR success rate were 25% for TE and 62.5% for trehalose [p<0.05]. The relative risk [RR] of poor quality associated with using trehalose is 0.4. Trehalose serves as an alternative to expensive freezer storage. It has a DNA protective effect which helps in preservation even trace DNA while judicial proceedings continue