Laboratory Time and Resources

Time Required to Conduct Post-Analysis Laboratory Activities, cont.

If there is no match between the known profiles and the evidentiary profile(s) submitted for the case, a database search may be conducted. Should a potential match be identified, an additional interpretation process begins. A complete match between profiles requires little interpretation, while interpreting less complete matches may be very time-consuming.

The initiating laboratory evaluates both DNA profiles; if it is determined that they are from the same individual, this laboratory will notify the other agency of the match. If both profiles are from casework samples, reports are issued to the corresponding agency. If one of the profiles is from an offender (arrestee, convicted offender or detainee) then the laboratory with the offender sample initiates a series of quality control reviews which may include re-analysis of the offender sample. Ultimately, the offender laboratory will release the name and other information to the casework laboratory or agency.

If the database search occurred after the initial DNA report was issued, the casework laboratory will generate another report that must undergo both a technical and administrative review to ensure accuracy.