NCJ Number
218696
Date Published
July 2004
Length
2 pages
Annotation
This report presents the overall goal of the Y-STR Subcommittee of the Scientific Working Group on DNA Analysis Methods as well as the proceedings of its first meeting on January 15, 2003.
Abstract
The Y-STR Subcommittee was established to address all aspects of Y-chromosome-specific testing in forensic casework. Y-chromosome-specific STR typing targets the male DNA and is a useful additional tool in cases that involve a mixture of male and female DNA, which often occurs in sexual assault cases. At its first meeting, the Y-STR Subcommittee developed a recommendation for a set of Y-STR core loci. The subcommittee voted to adopt 11 loci, based on availability to the scientific community and the large amount of published performance and database information for most of the loci. The subcommittee encourages further study of additional loci regarding their suitability for forensic use. The adopted loci are DYS19, DYS385 (two and three), DYS389I, DYS389II, DYS390, DYS391, DYS392, DYS393, DYS438, and DYS439. The working group is currently developing Y-STR interpretation and reporting guidelines that will include approaches to the statistical evaluation of Y-STR haplotypes. Other projects include promoting appropriate use of Y-chromosome markers in casework and databases. 2 tables and 2 references