- 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 3 :: The Significance of DNA Results as Evidence
Special Interpretation Considerations Related to Sexual Assault Cases—Small Sperm Sample Amounts
In situations where the amount of sperm DNA is small, only victim DNA may be detected in both the sperm and non-sperm fractions. In that case, the report may state that the victim cannot be excluded as the source of DNA from both the sperm fraction and non-sperm fraction.
Depending on laboratory policy, conclusions may or may not be reported regarding the sperm donor.
Therefore, the absence of evidence is not evidence of absence.
