- 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 6 :: DNA Lab Report
Topic 1 :: Basic Elements of a Forensic DNA Laboratory Report
Basic Elements of a Forensic DNA Laboratory Report
National standards exist for reporting DNA analysis, however, laboratories differ as to the information provided in the analytical report. Basic elements that commonly appear in reports include the following—
- Administrative information on the case, such as agency, file number, evidence item numbers, victim name and suspect name.
- Date of the report and the name and signature of the reporting analyst
- Types of evidence items examined, and type of methodology or technique used to examine the evidence.
- Results of the examination and/or conclusions.
- Interpretation of the resultant data.
- Disposition of evidence.
Reports may contain the results of any additional non-DNA tests performed to locate and characterize the type of biological evidence present.
Click here to see the National DNA Quality Assurance standards for a DNA laboratory report.
