NCJ Number
226996
Journal
Forensic Science International: Genetics Volume: 3 Issue: 2 Dated: March 2009 Pages: 112-118
Date Published
March 2009
Length
7 pages
Annotation
In order to validate software for calculating the likelihood ratio in parentage/kinship scenarios, the author assessed available vendors, chose two programs (Paternity Index and “familias“) for testing, and validated them using tests derived from an elaboration of the available guidelines for the field of forensics, biomedicine, and software engineering.
Abstract
Results from seven testing cases found that both software programs satisfied the requirements for basic paternity cases; however, only a combination of two software programs fulfilled the criteria needed for the entire spectrum of functions under validation, with the exceptions of providing algebraic formulas in cases of mutation and/or silent allele. For each of the two software programs, this paper describes the major “bugs” or omissions (failed) and minor “bugs” that impeded but did not invalidate the use of the software. The paper lists the features required for a software to be feasible, accurate, unambiguous, specific, testable, and uniquely identifiable. The author notes, however, that this list is incomplete due to potential advances in DNA testing that cannot be predicted and will be part of future software requirements. The scope of the validation tests was based on the intended use of the program functions, complexity, and risk assessment of the software. The computer and operating system used in the testing was a laptop Acer Aspire 5100 with a Windows XP operating system. Each of the seven parentage/kinship test cases is described. 3 tables, 1 figure, appendix and 39 references