- Course Introduction
- 01: Evidence & DNA
- 02: Forensic Biology
- 03: DNA Extraction & Quantitation
- 04: DNA Amplification
- Overview
- Introduction
- Amplification
- Primer Design
- Primer Length
- Primer Melting Temperature
- Primer Annealing Temperature
- Values for Tm
- Maximum 3′ Stability
- GC Content Percentage
- No Secondary Structures
- No Self-complementarity
- No Complementarity To Other Primers
- No Long Runs With The Same Base
- Distance Between Two Primers On Target Sequence
- Plateau Effect
- Thermal Cyclers
- Thermal Cycling Parameter and Optimization
- Works Cited & Online Links
- Locus Selection
- Multiplexing
- Contamination
- Overview
- 05: Amplified DNA Product Separation
- 06: STR Data Analysis & Interpretation
- 07: Population Genetics & Statistics
- 08: Communicating Results
- 09: Other DNA Markers & Technologies
- Course Resources
- Laboratory Training Manual
President's DNA Initiative
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Advancing Justice Through DNA Technology
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Advancing Justice Through DNA Technology
DNA Analyst Training
Prevention
Home > DNA Amplification > Contamination > Prevention
There are numerous processes that laboratories can establish to minimize the risk of contamination. It is important for each laboratory to assess their specific needs both technically and administratively prior to establishing a process.
Laboratories must demonstrate that they have a facility that is designed to minimize contamination. This may include restricting the movement of staff, equipment, and consumables between pre- and post-amplification areas.
Click here to read Section 6, Facilities, of the QAS.
Some additional processes include:
- Staff training
- Quality control testing of reagents and consumables
- Storage and treatment of consumables
- Implementation of clean techniques05
Click here to read about Laboratory Orientation in Subject 02, Module 01.
Training
Laboratory managers should ensure that all laboratory personnel are appropriately trained in the handling and processing of evidence and offender samples, in regard to DNA analysis. Providing biological evidence collection training to crime scene response staff and investigators can help ensure that they have an appreciation of DNA contamination issues.
The training should stress that the most effective means of protecting evidence from contamination from investigators and laboratory staff is to use personal protective equipment (PPE), such as gloves, gowns, and masks. In general, universal precaution methods not only protect the investigator and analyst, but also ensure that the evidence is protected from contamination by handlers.
Click here to read about safety in Course Resources.
