Familial DNA searching in a forensic database identifies a partial STR match to an uploaded crime scene profile. This technique is BEST described as:

• A Identifying the direct perpetrator from stored convicted-offender profiles
• B Confirming kinship in mass-disaster victim identification
• C Detecting genetic markers for violent behavioural traits in suspects
• D Identifying a close biological relative of the perpetrator who is in the database, providing a lead for investigation ✓

Explanation

Familial DNA searching exploits the fact that first-degree relatives (siblings, parent-child) share approximately 50% of their alleles. A partial match in a convicted-offender database suggests the perpetrator may be a relative of the database entrant, generating an investigative lead rather than a direct identification. This technique is controversial due to privacy implications for innocent relatives. It is distinct from direct database matching, mass-disaster kinship analysis, or behavioural genetics.

Reference: The Essentials of Forensic Medicine and Toxicology (Narayan Reddy), 34th ed.

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Written and medically reviewed by the StethoPrep medical team.