- 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 12 :: Victim Issues
Topic 2 :: DNA Evidence Testing
How Long Will It Take and When Will the Results Be Available?
Many forensic laboratories throughout the country have a backlog of DNA casework that can range from months to more than a year. Once testing begins, the length of time necessary to complete the analysis is based on the complexity of the case (i.e., from weeks to months). Testing status updates should be requested.
It is important to communicate with the forensic laboratory to determine which items of evidence need to be analyzed and, consequently, how long it might take to obtain DNA analysis results. For more information on DNA evidence testing, see Module 3, Practical Issues Specific to DNA Evidence.
