Development, present state and prospects of DNA analysis in the state criminal investigation department of Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania

Abstract

Today we are in a position to carry out DNA analyses of the following trace materials: blood, saliva, sperm, vaginal epithelial cells, skin epithelial cells, urine, tissue and faeces. Four AE3I PRISM® Genetic Analysers 310 from Applied Biosystems are available for these investigations. The division now employs two experts, four assistants and one administrative assistant. Routine investigations cover seventeen autosomal DNA systems, six YSTRs as well as amelogenine. In 2002 some 4,400 traces and materials for comparison were collected. Also, nearly 11,000 amplifications were carried out. For the future it is Intended to add morphological and DNA analytical investigations of hairs to our analytical spectrum. The examination of trace materials with a low content of DNA or with partly degenerated DNA shall be improved by introducing real time FCK. There are also plans to extend investigations of Y-chromosomal systems in cases of rape and of sexual assaults. Technical necessities for such investigations shall be provided in a new building for our institute in 2006.