title: Interpretation of complex forensic DNA mixtures.
abstract: Forensic evidentiary samples routinely contain DNA from multiple contributors. The interpretation of these mixtures can be a challenging task for the DNA scientist. Several approaches are discussed (no calculation- qualitative statement; probability of exclusion; likelihood ratio estimates; presumptive genotype assignment based on peak heights), which have been employed to assess the significance of an inclusion/match when DNA mixtures have been detected in casework samples. These statistical approaches are discussed in light of technical challenges that can arise when evaluating evidentiary samples.
authors.affiliation: State of Connecticut Department of Public Safety, CT Forensic Laboratory, 278 Colony Street, Meriden, CT, USA. cspfsl_dna@yahoo.com
authors.forename: C
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Ladd
authors.forename: H C
authors.initials: HC
authors.lastname: Lee
authors.forename: N
authors.initials: N
authors.lastname: Yang
authors.forename: F R
authors.initials: FR
authors.lastname: Bieber
mesh_terms: D003418:Criminology; D004247:DNA / Q000032:analysis*; D016172:DNA Fingerprinting / Q000379:methods*; D003627:Data Interpretation, Statistical; D005104:Expert Testimony / Q000592:standards; D005260:Female; D005554:Forensic Medicine / Q000379:methods* / Q000592:standards*; D005838:Genotype; D006801:Humans; D016013:Likelihood Functions; D008297:Male; D016133:Polymerase Chain Reaction / Q000379:methods*; D012680:Sensitivity and Specificity; D013048:Specimen Handling; D014481:United States
chemical_list: D004247:DNA