Genetic identification of human remains. Experiences with different reference samples

摘要

abstract_textpThe identification of unidentified bodies is an integral part of forensic medicine and is usually carried out using fingerprints, dental status and/or molecular genetic methods as suggested by Interpol using DNA analysis. In this study 61 human identification cases solved by genetic analysis were evaluated retrospectively and it could be shown that reference samples brought by the police frequently gave genetic profiles of two or more individuals. Even items typically used by only one person (e.g. toothbrush and razor) often revealed more than one STR profile which complicates the establishment of certain identity. Thus, in cases of unidentified deceased persons identity should preferably be established based on profiles from relatives. The investigation of personal belongings should be restricted to cases in which no blood relatives are available./p/abstract_text