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Y-Chromosome Short Tandem Repeat (Y-STR) Interpretation Guidelines

NCJ Number
226151
Date Published
January 2009
Length
6 pages
Annotation
This paper provides a framework for the forensic laboratory to develop Y-chromosome short tandem repeat (Y-STR) interpretation guidelines.
Abstract
The interpretation of the results of casework is a matter of professional judgment and expertise. It is important that the laboratory develop and implement written guidelines for the interpretation of analytical results. In the development of Y-chromosome short tandem repeat (Y-STR) interpretation guidelines, this paper outlines the framework which is presented in six areas: (1) preliminary evaluation data, (2) designation (assignment of allele designations to appropriate peaks or bands), (3) interpretation of results, (4) conclusions and reporting, (5) statistical interpretation, and (6) references and suggested readings. The laboratory’s interpretation guidelines should be based upon validation studies, data from the literature, instrumentation used, and/or casework experience. References and suggested readings