When ante-mortem records exist, what is the appropriate role of DNA in identification?

When ante-mortem records exist, what is the appropriate role of DNA in identification?

• A. DNA as a confirmatory method
• B. DNA as the sole source of identification
• C. DNA not helpful
• D. DNA only for ancestry estimation

Answer: (A)

When ante-mortem records exist, DNA serves as a confirmatory tool in identification. The typical workflow uses non-DNA evidence—such as skeletal traits, dental records, radiographs, and contextual information—to arrive at a probable identity. DNA testing then provides a high-confidence check by comparing the remains’ genetic profile to a reference sample from the person or a close relative. A matching result strengthens the proposed identity, while a non-match can overturn it. DNA is not the sole source of identification because it depends on having a reliable reference, and it isn’t used primarily for ancestry estimation in this context.

When ante-mortem records exist, DNA serves as a confirmatory tool in identification. The typical workflow uses non-DNA evidence—such as skeletal traits, dental records, radiographs, and contextual information—to arrive at a probable identity. DNA testing then provides a high-confidence check by comparing the remains’ genetic profile to a reference sample from the person or a close relative. A matching result strengthens the proposed identity, while a non-match can overturn it. DNA is not the sole source of identification because it depends on having a reliable reference, and it isn’t used primarily for ancestry estimation in this context.