Best Practices for Forensic Laboratories Adopting Probabilistic Genotyping Systems

This proposal describes work to develop a Best Practice Report on adopting probabilistic genotyping systems (PGS) for evaluating complex DNA mixtures. Despite the advancements and improvements offered by PGS for the interpretation of complex DNA mixtures, many US laboratories have not yet adopted PGS. Based on interactions with laboratories that have implemented PGS, it is clear that the process of implementing PGS is not straightforward and requires a variety of technical and procedural decisions. This project aims to provide clarity to this process through coordination of listening sessions with the PGS community, and collecting lessons learned, issues, challenges, and recommendations for adopting PGS. Ultimately, the results of this project will provide actionable recommendations — developed through collaboration and communication with the PGS community and supported by consensus-based voting data — that can be used by the PGS community and standards organizations to promote adoption of PGS.

The proposed work will be accomplished in five phases:

Phase 1: Convene a Working Group — In Phase 1, we will convene a working group of volunteers invited to represent a range of laboratories and vendors with expertise in PGS, who will be consulted throughout the project.

Phase 2: Review Existing Guidance Documents — In Phase 2, we will conduct a thorough review of existing documents and publications for existing guidelines and recommendations related to PGS.

Phase 3: Conduct Listening Sessions — In Phase 3, we will collect lessons learned and recommendations from agencies that have implemented (or are in the process of implementing) PGS, as well as from PGS vendors, and relevant subject matter experts. We will also collect input on barriers and challenges in implementing PGS, and strategies to mitigate these barriers to entry.

Phase 4: Collate Lessons Learned/Recommendations and Assess Consensus — In Phase 4, we will collate these lessons learned/recommendations and assess the extent of consensus across the DNA PGS community for each via canvassing.

Phase 5: Produce Best Practice Report and Presentations — In Phase 5, we will produce a final report of best practices for adopting PGS. The complete list of all lessons learned/recommendations with canvassing votes will be included in the Best Practices Report as an appendix or supplemental data. The summary of recommendations will be presented at appropriate forensic conferences.

This project will be conducted by Noblis, a nonprofit research company with a proven history of success in conducting studies with forensic examiners, as well as extensive collaboration and coordination with working groups. NCA/NCF