Forensic Genetic Testing

There are many types of genetic testing. Forensic genetic testing is the only type used for purposes other than screening for and treatment of genetic disorders. It is instead used primarily for purposes of law enforcement.

Crime Investigations

• Television shows such as CSI have raised the public awareness of DNA testing as part of crime investigations. Forensic genetic testing helps to identify people who were at a crime scene. It can also be used to clear a suspect by proving they could not have committed a particular crime. This same testing can help to identify the victims as well as the perpetrators of crimes.

Disaster Responses

• Law enforcement and medical personnel use genetic testing to help identify catastrophe victims. One example was the September 11, 2001, World Trade Center terrorist attack. All that was left of some of the victims were bone and tissue fragments. The medical examiner's office used forensic genetic testing on the nearly 20,000 pieces of human remains they found to help identify the victims.

Family Relationships

• DNA testing is widely used to help determine paternity of a child. It can also be used to establish other family relationships. For example, forensic testing is helping to reunite families separated during the Holocaust or the "disappeared children" from Argentina. Historians are also using it to explore historical mysteries and to debunk or verify claims of relations to lost royalty.

Environmental Concerns

• Wildlife officials use forensic genetic testing to identify endangered and protected species. They also use it to detect pollutants. Customs officials and agriculture officials use genetic testing for such things as determining the pedigree of animals or seed and to authenticate food origins.