1. Spectrophotometry: The cheapest & easiest & simplest & quickest method is simply to measure OD (optical density) at 260nm and 280nm . The ration of OD 260nm/280nm for pure DNA should be 1.8-2.0. Spectrum of you sample might also give clue about the sample. DNA has a very charasteristic Absorption specturm. 2. Electrophoresis: This is also another method where you run your DNA in Agarose Gel (0.75%-2% depending upon the size of your DNA, Bigger the DNA size less Agarose % you need) under the influence of Electric field (50-120V). 3.Physical Properties of DNA: a. Melting Behaviour: If you always have the same DNA to detect, the melting behaviour of DNA might be also clue to detect DNA. b. Viscousity: If you have genomic DNA and highly concentrated, & you are going to measure at constant condition. Then viscocity of the sample might help. 4. Protein DNA interaction: There are some proteins (enzymes) which are know to bind with DNA. 4. PCR: This can be done only if you know the sequence of your DNA. For this you need to design primers, Enzyme polymerase, Neucleotides as reagents Besides you need also need thermocycler. This is possible only in research institute. 4.DNA sequencing: This is also possible if you know the source or the sequence of your DNA. Possilble only in research institute. I think for you purpose you simply need to measure OD at 260nm & 280nm and the ratio of them will tell you about rest.