Your DNA typically gets into a database when a blood or buccal (cheek swab) sample is submitted to the relevant authorities by individuals required to do so by law. These are generally individuals who have been convicted of, arrested for, or are facing charges for specific crimes.
Here's a breakdown of the process:
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Collection of Sample: Law enforcement agencies or other authorized bodies collect DNA samples. This can involve:
- Blood samples: Usually drawn by qualified medical personnel.
- Buccal swabs: A simple cheek swab taken to collect cells containing DNA.
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Legal Requirement: The collection of DNA is typically mandated by law following:
- Conviction: Individuals convicted of certain crimes, often felonies, are required to submit a DNA sample.
- Arrest: Some jurisdictions allow or require DNA collection upon arrest for specific offenses.
- Indictment/Charges: In some instances, DNA collection can occur when formal charges are filed.
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Submission to Lab: The collected sample is then sent to a forensic laboratory.
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DNA Extraction and Profiling: In the lab, technicians:
- Extract DNA: They isolate the DNA from the collected cells.
- Create a DNA Profile: Using techniques like Short Tandem Repeat (STR) analysis, they create a unique DNA profile. This profile is a set of numbers representing the variations in specific regions of your DNA. It's important to note that the entire DNA sequence is not typically recorded, just these specific markers.
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Database Upload: The DNA profile (the numerical representation) is then uploaded to a DNA database, such as the Combined DNA Index System (CODIS) in the United States. This database is maintained by law enforcement.
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Purpose of the Database: The database is used to:
- Solve Crimes: Compare DNA profiles from crime scenes to the profiles in the database to identify potential suspects.
- Identify Missing Persons: Help identify unidentified human remains by comparing their DNA to that of potential relatives.
- Exonerate the Wrongfully Accused: DNA evidence can be used to prove someone's innocence.
In summary, your DNA ends up in a database primarily through legal requirements tied to the criminal justice system, involving the collection of a biological sample, extraction and profiling of DNA, and the subsequent uploading of the DNA profile to a database maintained by law enforcement.
