DNA Quality Outweighs Bone Source
Background DNA burden was more strongly associated with sequencing profile completeness than bone source in unidentified human remains.
By
Andrea Surnit
May 19, 2026
Clinical Scorecard: DNA Quality Outweighs Bone Source
At a Glance
Category Detail
Condition Forensic genome sequencing of skeletal remains Key Mechanisms Massively parallel sequencing and SNP profiling Target Population Unidentified human remains Care Setting Forensic laboratories
Key Highlights
399 out of 500 samples met the DNA threshold for sequencing. Call rates ranged from 8% to 91%, with 95.7% achieving rates above 50%. Petrous bone samples had the lowest failure-to-progress rate at 6.5%. Standard quantitative DNA metrics guide workflow but cannot predict high-completeness profiles. 93.2% of sequenced samples achieved call rates of at least 60%. Guideline-Based Recommendations
Diagnosis
Use quantitative PCR to assess human DNA quantity in skeletal samples. Management
Prioritize petrous bone samples for sequencing due to lower failure rates. Monitoring & Follow-up
Evaluate call rates to determine suitability for genealogical databases. Risks
Current metrics may not capture all factors affecting sequencing success. Patient & Prescribing Data
Individuals represented by unidentified skeletal remains.
Profiles with low call rates may still yield useful genetic information.
Clinical Best Practices
Implement machine-learning models to improve prediction of sequencing outcomes. Consider environmental exposure and preservation status when evaluating samples. Use a combination of DNA metrics for a comprehensive assessment of sample viability. Related Resources & Content
