The National DNA Database

Over the last two years the Forensic Science Service (FSS) has developed and put into operation a National DNA Database that has analysed samples from individuals suspected of crime and stains from scenes of crime. It has provided more than 2200 links between individuals and scenes and 1200 links between scenes of crime. It uses an STR SGM (second generation multiplex) developed and available from the FSS that has now been proven in over 200 000 tests, including control samples, case stains and mixed stains. The SGM uses six STR loci in multiplex together with the XY homologous gene amelogenin for sex determination. This gives on average a probability of match of between 1 in 50 million and 1 in 100 million. Much remains to be done if we are to achieve the service levels that our customers require especially in terms of turn round times. However in recent months the database has processed in excess of 10 000 samples per month. There is now common agreement that the efficacy of the database proposal has been demonstrated without reserve and its future development is assured. (C) 1997 Elsevier Science Ireland Ltd.