- 01 Introduction
- 02 Biology of DNA
- 03 Practical Issues Specific to DNA Evidence
- 04 Introduction to the Forensic DNA Laboratory
- 05 Assuring Quality in DNA Testing
- 06 Understanding a Forensic DNA Lab Report
- 07 Statistics and Population Genetics
- 08 Mitochondrial DNA & Y-STR Analysis
- 09 Forensic DNA Databases
- 10 Collection of DNA Evidence from Suspects and Arrestees
- 11 Pretrial DNA Evidence Issues
- 12 Victim Issues
- 13 Trial Presentation
- 14 Postconviction DNA Cases
- 15 Emerging Trends
Principles of Forensic DNA
for Officers of the Court
for Officers of the Court
Module 12 :: Victim Issues
Topic 1 :: DNA Evidence
What Is a Reference Sample and How Is It Used?
Biological known reference samples such as blood or saliva can be collected from the victim, suspect, a consensual sex partner(s), relatives or any other person who might have had access to the crime scene during the course of a criminal investigation or trial. These samples can be used to identify and/or exclude the source of the DNA profile(s) contained in the evidence sample.
It is imperative that reference samples are collected as soon as possible to allow for the forensic analysis to progress.
