Data to support the implementation of National DNA Database
The DNA database is moving to a new, more sensitive profiling technique known as DNA-17.
Documents
Details
In July 2014, following in-depth development, testing and validation the National DNA Database Delivery Unit (NDU), working in collaboration with Forensic Service Providers, upgraded the NDNAD software to allow DNA profiles generated from ‘DNA-17’ profiling methods to be uploaded to the NDNAD.
DNA-17 increases the number of areas of the DNA which are examined from 10 to 16 plus a gender marker (XX for women and XY for men). The DNA-17 test allows better, more complete, DNA profiles to be obtained from those crime scene samples where the DNA has become degraded or is present in small quantities.
DNA-17 is better able to overcome the effects of chemicals which can affect the successful production of a profile.The additional DNA areas within DNA-17 further decrease the chance that 2 unrelated individuals will have the same profile to much less than 1 in a billion.