Laboratory Time and Resources

Time Required to Perform Laboratory Analysis

Step 3: DNA Analysis, Interpretation

Detected profiles must be interpreted before they are reportable. In this manual step, a laboratory analyst reviews the profiles of the sample/subsample, standards, controls, etc. The analyst will first determine if the sample/subsample profile meets the laboratory’s quality thresholds. If not, the sample may be returned to a previous step depending on the issues identified. For example, if too little DNA is detected, the sample may be returned to the amplification step to create additional copies for analysis. It is possible that only portions of the profile pass the quality threshold, in which case only partial results may be reported for a sample/subsample.

Click the image on the right to view both a full and partial DNA profile.

Click here to view an animation of the quality threshold »