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Uncertainty in the number of contributors in the proposed new CODIS set
Published
Author(s)
Michael D. Coble, Jo-Anne Bright, John S. Buckleton, James Curran
Abstract
The probability that multiple contributors are detected within a forensic DNA profile improves as more highly polymorphic loci are analysed. The assignment of the correct number of contributors to a profile is important when interpreting the DNA profiles. In this work we investigate the probability of a mixed DNA profile appearing as having originated from a fewer number of contributors for the African American, Asian, Caucasian and Hispanic US populations. We investigate a range of locus configurations from the proposed new CODIS set. We show that the probability of a higher order mixture (five or six contributors) appearing as having originated from one less individual is high. This probability decreases as the number of loci tested increases.
Coble, M.
, Bright, J.
, Buckleton, J.
and Curran, J.
(2015),
Uncertainty in the number of contributors in the proposed new CODIS set, Forensic Science International: Genetics, [online], https://doi.org/10.1016/j.fsigen.2015.07.005
(Accessed October 13, 2025)