LR-calculation of any kinship situation using a new graphical interface: Generate two or more hypotheses, draw the family trees and assign the DNA-profiles to person symbols

We developed a graphical interface to allow an intuitive construction of alternative family trees defined as hypotheses. The novelty is that the family tree/hypothesis can be constructed like with a graphic design programme. The LR formulas and numerical results are given by the kinship algorithm which is applied to alternative family tree hypotheses. Person symbols are dropped with the computer mouse and the connection lines between the symbols are also set with a mouse. Null alleles or mutations can be treated. A simulation module allows calculations for any kinship scenario. The markers used and the number of persons can be varied in order to study the influence on the LR- value. It is a powerful tool for the planning of a relatedness DNA-analysis and is most useful for deficiency cases (how many markers, which persons should be tested). D 2005 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.