NIST has created a primer on interpretation of DNA mixtures that explains what are DNA mixtures and why are they sometimes so difficult to interpret. The primer was published on April 3, 2019 and covers topics including:
- Low sensitivity vs. high sensitivity methods for detecting DNA
- When is a peak a peak?
- How to determine who a peak belongs to in a mixture
- How does probabilistic genotyping software help to interpret complex mixtures?
- DNA transfer
Interpretation of complex mixtures is an ongoing challenge in DNA cases and attorneys need to be aware of the issues and the ways that labs are addressing the issues.
Additional information on the interpretation of complex DNA mixtures is available through a free 8-part webinar series offered by the FBI laboratory and the National Institute of Justice’s Forensic Technology Center of Excellence offered in May and June, 2019.