Abstract
Low copy number (LCN) DNA profiling has recently been scrutinized in the United Kingdom following the comments of Mr Justice Weir made during the trial of suspected terrorist Sean Hoey. Mr Hoey was acquitted of all charges related to the Omagh bombing of 1998, following the inadmissibility of key DNA evidence during this trial. The Association of Chief Police Officers and Crown Prosecution Service, initially suspended the use of this technique, but quickly reinstated its use following an internal enquiry. This review describes the low copy number technique and the sample types that are now routinely collected from suspects, victims, and crime scenes for examination by this method.
This is a preview of subscription content, log in via an institution to check access.
Similar content being viewed by others
References
Gill P, Whitaker J, Flaxman C, Brown N, Buckleton J. An investigation of the rigor of interpretation rules for STRs derived from less than 100 pg of DNA. Forensic Sci Int. 2000;112(1):17–40.
Taberlet P, Griffin S, Goossens B, Questiau S, Manceau V, Escaravage N, et al. Reliable genotyping of samples with very low DNA quantities using PCR. Nucleic Acids Res. 1996;24(16):3189–94.
Gill P. Application of low copy number DNA profiling. Croat Med J. 2001;42(3):229–32.
Whitaker J, Cotton E, Gill P. 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. Forensic Sci Int. 2001;123(2–3):215–23.
Gill P, Curran J, Neumann C, Kirkham A, Clayton T, Whitaker J, et al. Interpretation of complex DNA profiles using empirical models and a method to measure their robustness. Forensic Sci Int: Genetics. 2008;2(2):91–103.
van Oorschot R, Jones MK. DNA fingerprints from fingerprints. Nature. 1997;387(6635):767.
Wiegand P, Kleiber M. DNA typing of epithelial cells after strangulation. Int J Legal Med. 1997;110(4):181–3.
Ladd C, Adamowicz M, Bourke M, Scherczinger C, Lee H. A systematic analysis of secondary DNA transfer. J Forensic Sci. 1999;44(6):1270–2.
Rutty G. An investigation into the transference and survivability of human DNA following simulated manual strangulation with consideration of the problem of third party contamination. Int J Legal Med. 2002;116(3):170–3.
Rutty G, Hopwood A, Tucker V. The effectiveness of protective clothing in the reduction of potential DNA contamination of the scene of crime. Int J Legal Med. 2003;117(3):170–4.
Port N, Bowyer V, Graham E, Batuwangala M, Rutty G. How long does it take a static speaking individual to contaminate their immediate environment? Forensic Sci Med Pathol. 2006;2(3):157–164.
Wickenheiser R. Trace DNA: a review, discussion of theory, and application of the transfer of trace quantities of DNA through skin contact. J Forensic Sci. 2002;47(3):442–50.
Lowe A, Murray C, Whitaker J, Tully G, Gill P. The propensity of individuals to deposit DNA and secondary transfer of low level DNA from individuals to inert surfaces. Forensic Sci Int. 2002;129(1):25–34.
Graham E, Rutty G. Investigation into “normal” background DNA on adult necks: Implications for DNA profiling of manual strangulation victims. J Forensic Sci. 2008 (In press).
Author information
Authors and Affiliations
Corresponding author
Rights and permissions
About this article
Cite this article
Graham, E.A.M. DNA reviews: low level DNA profiling. Forensic Sci Med Pathol 4, 129–131 (2008). https://doi.org/10.1007/s12024-008-9044-x
Accepted:
Published:
Issue Date:
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s12024-008-9044-x