- 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 5 :: Assuring Quality
Topic 1 :: Introduction to Quality Assurance
Methods and Method Validation
DNA methods are subjected to extensive and rigorous evaluation before being accepted for routine use. The process is termed validation.
The degree of rigor is contextual: a proposed new DNA typing system undergoes extensive validation, including peer review and publication. The introduction of an established technology to an individual laboratory requires less rigorous validation. The first instance requires that the underlying characteristics of the testing are established. The second requires only that the laboratory is able to implement the established procedure correctly.
Click here for more information on differentiating new technology from a new technique.
