'Breakthrough' DNA test pilot begins

A pilot of new DNA technology, which could help increase the volume of crime detection by separating out mixed or poor quality samples of DNA, has been launched by the Forensic Science Service.

The new technique, DNAboost, is a computer-based analysis system which can interpret DNA samples which were previously unintelligible.

The FSS said that the technique could help boost crime detection rates by more than 15%.

Previous technology had a low success rate in distinguishing one person from another, when more than one individual had touched a surface and, particularly, where only small amounts of DNA had been left behind, or the material found was of poor quality.

The FSS said that the new technique would be the biggest step-change in DNA analysis and interpretation since the introduction of Low Copy Number, which enabled a match to be found from a minute sample of cells.

Using the two techniques together could help to solve "countless cold cases" that have lain dormant in police files for years, the FSS said.

Scientists suggested that the two techniques could double the number of cold cases that could now be solved.

The new technique will be be put into practice with four pilot police forces - West Yorkshire, South Yorkshire, Northumbria and Humberside.

The pilot will run for three months, after which it will be become available to the reminder of FSS customers.

DNA manager Paul Hackett said: "We've been able to demonstrate an increased rate of interpretation even in those areas that have proved traditionally most difficult - fragments of cellular submissions."

Mr Hackett said that tests suggested that the data could now yield an improvement approaching 40%. He added: "This means a great many more cases have the potential to be solved and a great many more families could look forward to securing justice."

(KMcA/SP)