On forensic genetics – kinship and identity
Section for Forensic Genetics – Kinship and Identity primarily conducts DNA analyses aimed at clarifying genetic relationships and assessing whether twins are identical or non-identical. The section has both private and public clients. Individuals contact us directly or through a solicitor, and arrange for an analysis before samples are taken according to specified guidelines.
Forensic Genetics
Forensic genetics can be defined as knowledge of genetic variation in humans and how such variation can be used to illuminate issues of a civil and criminal nature. Forensic genetics is a laboratory discipline where the use of relevant analytical methods is performed to assist private individuals, the judiciary, the police, or other societal actors with important decision-making bases. This may be in connection with the handling of paternity cases/kinship investigations, inheritance disputes, clarification of personal identity, identification of the deceased, or in criminal cases.
The section has conducted forensic genetic analyses for the public in paternity cases since the establishment of the Forensic Medicine Institute in 1938. The Section for Forensic Genetics - Kinship and Identity currently performs all paternity and kinship investigations requested by NAV and the courts using DNA analyses. The section also has a nationwide function regarding assistance in the identification of the deceased using DNA analyses.
Additionally, analyses of bone marrow transplant patients are conducted to measure the degree of donor chimerism, and DNA profiles are produced for individuals involved in criminal cases at the request of the police.
Accreditation
The section, then known as the Department for Genetic Kinship and Personal Identity, was accredited on 29 May 2008 according to the requirements of NS-EN ISO/IEC 17025. Accreditation applies to all routine methods as well as professional assessments and interpretations.
- Private individuals with informed consent
- NAV (Child Act)
- The courts (Child Act)
- The Tax Administration (Population Registration Act/regulations)
- The police (Passport Act, Biotechnology Act, Immigration Act)
- Kripos (Criminal Procedure/Police Register Act)
- National ID group at Kripos (Royal Resolution)
- Health enterprises (determination of chimerism degree)