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2 results

  • 6 - The Curse of Sensitivity

  • Suzanne Bell, West Virginia University, John M. Butler
  • Book:
    Understanding Forensic DNA
    Published online:
    02 September 2022
    Print publication:
    22 September 2022, pp 93-108

  • Summary

    The last chapter outlined the basic concepts of mixture analysis. Now we move on to the much more challenging situations arising from low-level DNA samples and complex mixtures. These topics go together. Early DNA methods such as RFLP and initial PCR methods were less sensitive (which means they were unable to detect very small quantities of DNA) than today’s techniques. As a result, DNA present in tiny quantities was not seen. Now the technologies afford much better detection, which is a mixed blessing. Rather than simply detecting the DNA from the major contributor(s), now trace levels of DNA can be recovered and typed, and not all of it is pertinent to the crime under investigation. Very small amounts of DNA, much less than in typical samples, are referred to as low copy number (LCN) DNA.

    Low copy number and complex mixtures are related.

Understanding Forensic DNA
  • Suzanne Bell, John M. Butler
  • Published online:
    02 September 2022
    Print publication:
    22 September 2022
  • Forensic DNA analysis plays a central role in the judicial system. A DNA sample can change the course of an investigation with immense consequences. Because DNA typing is recognized as the epitome of forensic science, increasing public awareness in this area is vital. Through several cases, examples and illustrations, this book explains the basic principles of forensic DNA typing, and how it integrates with law enforcement investigations and legal decisions. Written for a general readership, Understanding Forensic DNA explains both the power and the limitations of DNA analysis. This book dispels common misunderstandings regarding DNA analysis and shows how astounding match probabilities such as one-in-a-trillion are calculated, what they really mean, and why DNA alone never solves a case.