A review of probabilistic genotyping systems: Euroformix, dnastatistx and strmix™

Abstract

Probabilistic genotyping has become widespread. EuroForMix and DNAStatistX are both based upon maximum likelihood estimation using a γ model, whereas STRmix™ is a Bayesian approach that specifies prior distributions on the unknown model parameters. A general overview is provided of the historical development of probabilistic genotyping. Some general principles of interpretation are described, including: The application to investigative vs. evaluative reporting, detection of contamination events, inter and intra laboratory studies, numbers of contributors, proposition setting and validation of software and its performance. This is followed by details of the evolution, utility, practice and adoption of the software discussed.