- 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
Establishment of Reference Databases
Home > DNA Amplification > Contamination > Detection > Establishment of Reference Databases
A concern in the forensic science community is that a contaminant profile would be mistakenly reported. The most likely cause of contamination of evidence is from the staff involved in handling of samples. Based on this knowledge, it is highly desirable that the laboratory maintains a staff DNA database. Ideally, this would include everyone involved from collection to completion of analysis. This database can be assessed against any unknown profiles developed from evidentiary samples as part of data interpretation to ensure that no contamination from a staff member is mistakenly reported.
Due to legal or departmental constraints, it is recognized that some laboratories may not be able to maintain a staff database of this scope, if at all. An alternative is for laboratories to obtain volunteer samples on a case-by-case basis where contamination is suspected.
This procedure can also be expanded to the following:
- DNA profiles from contractors who work in the laboratory area
- DNA profiles from visitors to the laboratory
- DNA profiles from employees of sub-contract vendor laboratories
