Latest Expert Witness News

DNA testing given a boost

A new technique which can decipher previously unintelligible DNA samples has been made available to all police forces in England and Wales. The Forensic Science Service (FSS) analyses DNA evidence from about 100,000 cases every year, where 10% involve mixed or poor quality samples.

It is this area where DNAboost can help, the test allows scientists to obtain individual DNA profiles from crime scenes which contain a mix of DNA from several people.

The new procedure has been piloted in Humberside, Northumbria, South Yorkshire, West Yorkshire. With approximately 2,000 samples tested. The FSS said the test was now "fit for purpose" to be used by all forces.

Previously, it was impossible for scientists to separate out DNA from different individuals at one crime scene, for example, where two or three suspects were involved. The DNABoost can now identify separate DNA which can then be checked against the national DNA database for identification.

This will be helpful in solving many cold case files, such as unsolved assaults and murders.

Courts and experts still need to be aware that although advances have been made, DNA can be wrongly interpreted and tests need to be reliable and proven in all cases.

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