- 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
Human Factors
The range of tasks involved in DNA testing is considerable. In some laboratories, each group of tasks is allocated to an appropriately skilled person. At the other extreme, one person will conduct all the tasks from sample identification, to extraction and preliminary processing of the DNA, to amplification, to typing and reporting. In every case, best quality depends on the person—
- Having the required understanding of the principles behind the task (knowledge).
- Having been trained in the processes required (skills).
- Having shown that they can apply that training in a reliable manner (abilities).
The combination of demonstrated knowledge, skills and abilities defines the competency of the individual.
