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Uncertainty in the Number of Contributors in the Proposed New CODIS Set

NCJ Number
250064
Journal
Forensic Science International-Genetics Volume: 19 Dated: November 2015 Pages: 207-211
Author(s)
M. D. Coble; J. A. Bright
Date Published
November 2015
Length
5 pages
Annotation
This study examined the probability of a mixed DNA profile appearing as having originated from a fewer number of contributors for the African American, Asian, Caucasian and Hispanic US populations, using a range of locus configurations from the proposed new CODIS set.
Abstract
The probability that multiple contributors are detected within a forensic DNA profile improves as more highly polymorphic loci are analysed. The assignment of the correct number of contributors to a profile is important when interpreting the DNA profiles. These theoretical calculations were based on allele frequencies only and ignored peak heights. This analysis shows that the probability of a higher order mixture (five or six contributors) appearing as having originated from one less individual is high. This probability decreases as the number of loci tested increases. (Publisher abstract modified)