- 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 3 :: Practical Issues
Topic 2 :: Initial Considerations in Laboratory Protocol
Testing Considerations
Prior to DNA analysis, the case exhibits are described in the case notes. These notes will detail the physical attributes of the submitted items including the type of packaging, location of stains, and whether the stains were completely removed for further analysis.
Depending on the type of case and the total number of exhibits, complete examination, analysis, and review of the case can take from days to weeks. This time frame may be compounded by a laboratory's existing backlog. It is possible that a DNA case may not be examined until a year after submission.
