[Genetic identification of dead persons: which reference sample should be used?].
Identification of a deceased person consists in connecting this person with reference data. Within this context, DNA analyses allow to use samples coming from the deceased himself (personal reference) or from persons closely related to the deceased (familial reference). The analysis of 132 genetic identifications performed between 2003 and 2007 in Switzerland illustrates that familial references are predominantly used. Recommendations are presented to optimize the genetic identification process. In particular, personal references collected on the deceased when alive should be preferred. When this is not possible, several reference samples should be analysed in order to minimize the probability of a fortuitous connection.
Gremaud
Jean-Luc
JL
Section d'identité judiciaire, Police de sûreté valaisanne, Sion. jean-luc.gremaud@police.vs.ch
Gehrig
Christian
C
Sabatasso
Sara
S
Castella
Vincent
V
D000328:Adult; D002648:Child; D016172:DNA Fingerprinting / Q000379:methods*; D005260:Female; D005554:Forensic Medicine / Q000379:methods*; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D012016:Reference Values; D013557:Switzerland