- 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 15 :: Emerging Trends
Topic 2 :: Automation
Low Copy Number DNA Analysis
The ability to develop an STR DNA profile on items with very little DNA deposited on them, such as touched objects like a doorknob or drinking glass, is expected to aid in solving property crimes during which perpetrators have hot-wired a vehicle or stolen other property while bare-handed.
This type of analysis, called "low copy number" (LCN) DNA analysis, requires the same steps as standard STR testing but uses a higher number of PCR cycles to amplify the evidentiary DNA. The increased number of cycles produces more copies of the target DNA, making their STR typing more successful.
LCN protocols are currently in research and development stages.
