H. Schmitter

TL;DR: These recommendations are intended to provide guidance on establishing preparedness for the forensic genetics laboratory, on collecting and storing ante-mortem and post-mortem samples suitable for DNA analysis, on DNA extraction and genetic typing strategies, on data management, and on issues related to the biostatistical interpretation and reporting of results.

TL;DR: It is recommended that existing STR loci are reengineered to provide smaller amplicons, and the adoption of three new European core loci has been agreed.

TL;DR: A collaborative exercise to demonstrate whether uniformity of DNA profiling results could be achieved between European laboratories using short tandem repeat (STR) loci demonstrated that the simple STR systems such as HUMTH01 are more amenable to adoption as standard loci than complex AT-rich systems.

TL;DR: The results and earlier published concerns strongly emphasize the need for appropriate safety regulations when mtDNA profiles are compiled for database purposes in order to accomplish the high standard required for mtDNA databases that are used in the forensic context.

TL;DR: The widespread use of commercially produced multiplex kits has produced a situation in which nearly all European laboratories are using compatible systems and there is the potential for the introduction of a pan-European DNA database, however, the exchange of results between countries is hampered by the various legislations which currently exist.