Laboratory Time and Resources

Time Required to Perform Laboratory Analysis

Step 3: DNA Analysis, Amplification

The sensitivity of DNA analyses is due in large part to the amplification process, during which highly accurate copies of the extracted DNA are created to bring the concentration of DNA to required levels for subsequent steps. Human DNA is very similar from person to person. The United States forensic community has standardized its analyses on several locations known to be different between individuals; these are called loci (singular: locus).^7,8 Due to the critical and sensitive nature of amplification and subsequent steps, the process is tightly controlled, requiring exact chemistries, temperatures, times, etc., for accurate analyses.

Click the image below to see a profile with notations for locus and allele.

⁷ FBI: Frequently Asked Questions on the CODIS Program and the National DNA Index System »
⁸ Short Tandem Repeat DNA Internet Database »