DNA commission of the International Society of Forensic Genetics: Recommendations on the interpretation of mixtures.

The DNA commission of the International Society of Forensic Genetics (ISFG) was convened at the 21st congress of the International Society for Forensic Genetics held between 13 and 17 September in the Azores, Portugal. The purpose of the group was to agree on guidelines to encourage best practice that can be universally applied to assist with mixture interpretation. In addition the commission was tasked to provide guidance on low copy number (LCN) reporting. Our discussions have highlighted a significant need for continuing education and research into this area. We have attempted to present a consensus from experts but to be practical we do not claim to have conveyed a clear vision in every respect in this difficult subject. For this reason, we propose to allow a period of time for feedback and reflection by the scientific community. Then the DNA commission will meet again to consider further recommendations.

[1]  J. Whitaker,et al.  Analysis and interpretation of mixed forensic stains using DNA STR profiling. , 1998, Forensic science international.

[2]  M W Perlin,et al.  Linear mixture analysis: a mathematical approach to resolving mixed DNA samples. , 2001, Journal of forensic sciences.

[3]  F. Bieber,et al.  Interpretation of complex forensic DNA mixtures. , 2001, Croatian medical journal.

[4]  J M Curran,et al.  Interpretation of repeat measurement DNA evidence allowing for multiple contributors and population substructure. , 2005, Forensic science international.

[5]  B. Weir,et al.  Interpreting DNA mixtures. , 1997, Journal of forensic sciences.

[6]  P. Gill,et al.  PENDULUM--a guideline-based approach to the interpretation of STR mixtures. , 2005, Forensic science international.

[7]  Peter Gill,et al.  Development of a simulation model to assess the impact of contamination in casework using STRs. , 2004, Journal of forensic sciences.

[8]  P Gill,et al.  Development of guidelines to designate alleles using an STR multiplex system. , 1997, Forensic science international.

[9]  James Curran,et al.  A graphical simulation model of the entire DNA process associated with the analysis of short tandem repeat loci , 2005, Nucleic acids research.

[10]  Bruce S. Weir,et al.  DNA statistics in the Simpson matter , 1995, Nature Genetics.

[11]  J Buckleton,et al.  An investigation of the rigor of interpretation rules for STRs derived from less than 100 pg of DNA. , 2000, Forensic science international.

[12]  John Buckleton A Framework for Interpreting Evidence , 2004 .

[13]  I. Evett,et al.  More on the hierarchy of propositions: exploring the distinction between explanations and propositions. , 2000, Science & justice : journal of the Forensic Science Society.

[14]  P Gill,et al.  Application of low copy number DNA profiling. , 2001, Croatian medical journal.

[15]  Benoît Leclair,et al.  AmpFlSTR profiler Plus short tandem repeat DNA analysis of casework samples, mixture samples, and nonhuman DNA samples amplified under reduced PCR volume conditions (25 microL). , 2003, Journal of forensic sciences.

[16]  I W Evett,et al.  A guide to interpreting single locus profiles of DNA mixtures in forensic cases. , 1991, Journal - Forensic Science Society.

[17]  J. Buckleton,et al.  Forensic DNA Evidence Interpretation , 2004 .

[18]  J Buckleton,et al.  Interpreting simple STR mixtures using allele peak areas. , 1998, Forensic science international.

[19]  P Gill,et al.  A comparison of the characteristics of profiles produced with the AMPFlSTR SGM Plus multiplex system for both standard and low copy number (LCN) STR DNA analysis. , 2001, Forensic science international.

[20]  Peter Gill,et al.  Interpretation of simple mixtures of when artefacts such as stutters are present : with special reference to multiplex STRs used by the forensic science service , 1998 .

[21]  John Buckleton,et al.  Is the 2p rule always conservative? , 2006, Forensic science international.

[22]  Madhuri S. Mulekar,et al.  Weight-of Evidence for Forensic DNA Profiles , 2008, Technometrics.