Please note: The algorithm descriptions in English have been automatically translated. Errors may have been introduced in this process. For the original descriptions, go to the Dutch version of the Algorithm Register.
DNAxs
- Publication category
- High-Risk AI-system
- Impact assessment
- DPIA
- Status
- In use
General information
Theme
Begin date
Contact information
Link to publication website
Responsible use
Goal and impact
Forensic DNA testing is used in criminal cases to establish DNA profiles where there is biological material and compare them with the DNA profiles of individuals. The algorithms are used as a tool for assessing DNA profiles and for actually comparing these DNA profiles with those of other profiles in the criminal case and in the Dutch Criminal Database. Citizens and companies may come into contact with these when biological material is secured as part of an investigation or when those involved in the case are asked to donate cellular material in order to compile and compare DNA profiles. Cellular material may also be requested in the case of missing persons, family reunification for status holders or in the case of a large-scale DNA kinship investigation in a criminal case.
Considerations
With this algorithm, comparisons can be made, and more purely interpreted, allowing the results of DNA testing to be used for investigation, prosecution and justice. Scientifically based and qualitatively validated DNA methods can provide solid probative value and thus support the probative value of criminal offences.
Human intervention
An expert reviews the DNA results, and determines their validity and reports on them in a DNA expert report.
Risk management
The NFI is a risk-driven quality organisation. Risks are preventively assessed after which effective measures are taken and monitored. This is done in a continuous circle of planning, execution, control and taking measures.
Legal basis
An order to carry out DNA research on reference material from persons or biological material secured at a crime scene is issued by an SOJ to the NFI.
Links to legal bases
Impact assessment
Operations
Data
The algorithms were tested and validated using appropriate test and validation data for this purpose. These are mostly DNA profiles made in a research environment with a known and tested outcome.
Technical design
By comparing DNA profiles of traces with a database, valuable information for investigations can be obtained. The trace can thus link to a person or other cases. With DNAxs, profiles are compared in two ways. First semi-quantitatively by fragment length or the sequence in a piece of DNA. Then quantitatively by peak height. We calculate probabilities of a match with a likelihood ratio, also called likelihood ratio.
Want to know more? Check out the scientific articles below:Slooten, K. (2020, May). A top-down approach to DNA mixtures.
- Forensic Science International: Genetics Volume 46 102250.
- Slagter et al. The DNAxs software suite: A three-year retrospective study on the development, architecture, testing and implementation in forensic casework. Forensic Sci. Int. Reports (2021).
- Benschop et al. DNAxs/DNAStatistX: Development and validation of a software suite for the data management and probabilistic interpretation of DNA profiles. Forensic Sci. Int. Genet. 42 (2019) 81-89.
- Benschop et al. Multi-laboratory validation of DNAxs including the statistical library DNAStatistX. Forensic Sci. Int. Genet. 49 (2020) 102390.
- C.C.G. Benschop et.al (2019) 'Automated estimation of the number of contributors in autosomal short tandem repeat profiles using a machine learning approach'. Forensic Science International: Genetics, Volume 43, 102150.
- J. Hoogenboom et al (2023) Forensic Science International: Genetics, Volume 65, 102884.
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