Potential Sources of Artifacts and Errors in Generating a DNA Profile (From DNA and Criminal Justice P 103-105, 1990, Julia Vernon and Ben Selinger, eds. -- see NCJ-127660)

• NCJ Number: 127672
• Author(s): K Reed
• Date Published: 1990
• Length: 3 pages
• Sale Source: Australian Institute of Criminology
• Publication Type: Report (Technical)
• Language: English
• Country: Australia

Annotation

Discrepancies between analyses of a DNA sample can arise due to variations in a number of procedural details. While some may not significantly affect the validity of the test results, other variations could be monitored through analysis of internal control sequences.

Abstract

Potential sources of errors and artifacts fall into several categories: tissue sample, DNA isolation, DNA digestion, electrophoreses of DNA, transfer of DNA to membrane, hybridization, washing, autoradiography, photography, and interpretation. These discrepancies highlight the necessity for standardized and controlled procedures, accreditation and auditing, and the provision of full technical details to counsel.