Abstract: DNA was extracted from tortoise and turtle shells, two Chiense crude drugs whichhave been preserved for at least nine years.The cytochrome b sequence was amplified from theextracts using the polymerase chain reaction,Treatments with detergent and ultraviolet light wereemployed to destroy possible extraneous contamination,A control extract was set in parallel with theextracts of the specimens in order to detect contamination in solutions and reagents.The results showthat significant amounts of genetic information ean survive in the shells and may have importantimpllcations for their identification.