Forensic Genetics

The Department of Forensic Genetics deals with the DNA analysis of biological materials in order to provide evidence in legal disputes.
For this purpose, a large number of particularly variable, non-coding areas of the DNA are examined. Clients for forensic genetic investigations are law enforcement agencies, criminal courts, civil courts and – in the area of parentage investigations – also private individuals. Clinics and medical institutes can also be clients, for example to identify cell lines or to clarify possible cases of confusion, for example in pathology.
Further information can be found here:
to the Forensic Genetics at the Institute of Forensic Medicine at Charité
to the Institute of Forensic Medicine of the Charité
Range of services
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The right to know one’s own parentage is part of the general right of personality (BVerfG 1989). A verification of biological parentage can be initiated by the courts, the authorities or privately.
The biological parentage is examined in our accredited specialist laboratory by means of DNA analysis. With three people (parents and child), the certainty > is 99.9999% as to whether you are the father/mother, with two people (one parent/one child) at least 99.999%. Exclusion is 100% certain in each case.
We test at least 21 DNA traits (autosomal STRs) with different MultiPlex STR kits. For complex relationships (siblings, relationships over several generations, etc.), characteristics on the Y or X chromosome (gonosomal DNA characteristics) or the mitochondrial DNA are also examined.
Our examinations – whether private or official – are carried out to the same high standard set by the guidelines of the Genetic Diagnostics Commission (GEKO) for the requirements for the performance of genetic analyses to clarify parentage and for the qualification of medical and non-medical experts (§ 23 para. 2 No. 4 and No. 2b GenDG of 26.07.2012, see also www.rki.de).
Our invoicing is based on the German Judicial Remuneration and Compensation Act (JVEG).
Our services:
Parentage test (motherhood and paternity)
- For family courts
- For private clients
- For authorities
Relationship test
- Half/full sisterhood
- Twin test
- Further relationship tests and family tree analyses, e.g. belonging to the maternal or paternal line
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Download the range of trace analysis services
In Germany, an official offense is a criminal offense that is prosecuted by the public prosecutor’s office ex officio, i.e. on its own initiative (§§ 152 StPO). In Germany, this applies to all felonies and most misdemeanors. Forensic evidence is often crucial in solving such crimes. DNA evidence for the identification and attribution of biological traces plays a central role here.
Comparative analysis of forensic evidence
Crime scene traces can be assigned to individuals using DNA analysis. A saliva sample is taken from the persons (e.g. suspects, witnesses). The biological trace (blood, semen, saliva, etc.) and the comparison person are examined for at least 16 DNA characteristics (autosomal STRs). The results are interpreted using statistical methods. This also includes a calculation of the probability of multiple lane originators in the case of mixed lane constellations. In addition to the standard analysis, DNA tests for X/Y chromosomal markers, the mitochondria (especially for hair examinations and old bone materials) as well as external characteristics and secretion types are also used.
Forensic DNA analysis for the identification of unknown persons
Deceased persons can sometimes only be identified by comparative DNA analysis. A distinction is made between direct identification (comparison of body cells from evidence with the tissue of a deceased person) and indirect identification (comparison of body cells from relatives with those of a deceased person). Autosomal, gonosomal and mitochondrial DNA markers are used in these tests.
Our services:
- autosomal STR analysis (at least 21 markers)
- Y-chromosomal STR analysis (up to 40 markers)
- Y-chromosomal SNP analysis (haplogroup-specific)
- X-linked STR analysis (at least 12 markers)
- Secretion analysis with methylation markers
- Phenotype analysis with HIrisplex
- mitochondrial analysis (sequencing of the control region)
The admissible procedures for forensic examinations are regulated in the Code of Criminal Procedure (§81).
Our services are invoiced in accordance with the German Judicial Remuneration and Compensation Act (JVEG).
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- Identification of cell lines (at least 16 autosomal STR markers)
- Identification of tissue samples (at least 16 autosomal STR markers)