Laboratory - Testing Specifications

All 16 loci (includes the amelogenin (gender) locus) are tested. The laboratory is currently equipped with multiple Applied Biosystems GeneAmp PCR Systems.

All amplifications and analysis are according to the validated methods and procedures. All DNA analysis methods and procedures are documented and validated for forensic casework analyses.

Post-amplification analysis is performed on Applied Biosystems ABI Prism Genetic Analyzers with Genescan and Genotyper computer software, allowing for automated determination of the STR profiles for each sample. Genotypes are assigned by comparing the sizes obtained from the unknown samples with the sizes obtained for the alleles in the allelic ladder from the same run. All machine-interpreted genotypes are verified by the Case Manager.

Quality Assurance for the amplification and analysis procedures are evident through both the internal size standard and the use of a standard human K562 control.