DNAprofiel

DNAprofiel is the standardized representation of an individual’s genetic variation at a defined set of loci used for identification and comparison. A profile is derived from a biological sample and can be used in forensic investigations, paternity testing, and disaster victim identification. The principle is that the combination of alleles across the chosen markers is highly distinctive for each person, with the exception of identical twins.

The creation of a DNAprofiel involves collecting a sample, extracting DNA, and amplifying selected loci, usually through polymerase chain reaction (PCR). The resulting alleles at each locus are determined by genotyping, and the profile is recorded as a sequence of allele calls or a coded representation. Modern forensic profiles typically rely on multiple short tandem repeat (STR) markers; a profile thus comprises the observed alleles across these loci and may include a marker for sex.

DNAprofielen are stored and shared within national and international databases to support matching, verification, and investigative leads. They are used in criminal justice, resolving paternity questions, identifying missing persons, and locating disaster victims. A match is evaluated statistically, taking into account the number of loci tested and the genetic diversity of relevant populations; the probability of a random match decreases with more loci.

Limitations and challenges include mixed or degraded samples, partial profiles, and laboratory or interpretation errors. Privacy, consent, data protection, and retention policies are important considerations, and access to DNAprofiel data is typically governed by legal and ethical guidelines to balance investigative benefits with individual rights.