New publication - The reliability and reporting of DNA match strength for uncertain genotype evidence.

Binding Items and Restraints: When DNA Mixtures Can Still Help the Case.

Short answer

Items used to bind or restrain a victim can carry mixed contact DNA that still matters even if the lab could not fully interpret the data. This type of evidence can be powerful when the victim and assailant are connected to the same item. If the item is probative, request the electronic DNA data files and have TrueAllele® screen it before assuming the DNA cannot help.

What to do next

  1. Identify the most probative binding or restraint items.
  2. Request the required electronic DNA data files (.fsa or .hid).
  3. Include any available reference profiles.
  4. Submit a Free TrueAllele Screening inquiry.

What to send

  • Please do not send biological evidence. The screening uses the lab’s autosomal STR electronic DNA data files (.fsa or .hid).

Please submit:

  • For the evidence items, the lab’s electronic data (.fsa or .hid)
  • For reference profiles (victim/elimination/POI), either allele lists or electronic data files
  • Allelic ladder files for any electronic data
  • Lab reports or other case documents
  • Item ID list (which swabs/items the files belong to)
  • A case submission form with case specific information and questions (e.g., compare to POI, interpret the inconclusive mixture, compare items, etc.)

For more information on what to request from the lab, see the Sending Cases for TrueAllele Processing page.

Ready to Submit?

Tell us about your case. We’ll review it and tell you if we can get more information from the DNA data.

Free Screening

We don’t retest physical evidence items. We interpret the electronic DNA data a lab already generated.