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Principles of Forensic DNA for Officers of the Court

Basic Elements of a Forensic DNA Laboratory Report

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National standards exist for reporting DNA analysis, however, laboratories may include additional information in the analytical report. Basic elements that commonly appear in reports include the following:

  • Administrative information on the case, such as agency, file number, evidence item numbers, and suspect name.
  • Date of the report and the name and signature of the reporting analyst
  • Types of evidence items examined, and type of methodology or technique used to examine the evidence.
  • Results of the examination and/or conclusions.
  • Interpretation of the resultant data.
  • Disposition of evidence.

Reports may contain the results of any additional non-DNA tests performed to locate and characterize the type of biological evidence present.

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