Low copy number

Low Copy Number (LCN) is a DNA profiling technique developed by the UK Forensic Science Service (FSS) which has been in use since 1999.[1]

In the United Kingdom use of the technique was suspended between 21 December 2007 and 14 January 2008 while the Crown Prosecution Service conducted a review into its use – this suspension has now been lifted.[2]

LCN is an extension of Second Generation Multiplex Plus (SGM Plus) profiling technique. It is a more sensitive technique because it involves a greater amount of copying via polymerase chain reaction (PCR) from a smaller amount of starting material, meaning that a profile can be obtained from only a few cells, which may be as small as a millionth the size of a grain of salt, and amount to just a few cells of skin or sweat left from a fingerprint.[3]

  1. ^ Harriman, Rob. Low Copy Number DNA: The FSS and the English Judiciary.
  2. ^ CPS Press Release : Review of the use of Low Copy Number DNA analysis in current cases: CPS statement
  3. ^ DNA test halted after Omagh case, BBC