dna today dna and the law 2014 e-laboratory network, llc
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DNA Today DNA and the Law 2014 E-Laboratory Network, LLC. Welcome. Agenda. Legally-Binding DNA Relationship Tests Proper Chain of Custody and Sample Collection Protocol for Legal DNA Cases What is the mandatory minimum required for legally-binding relationship cases - PowerPoint PPT PresentationTRANSCRIPT
Agenda
• Legally-Binding DNA Relationship Tests• Proper Chain of Custody and Sample Collection
Protocol for Legal DNA Cases– What is the mandatory minimum required for legally-
binding relationship cases– Common errors on the COC exposed– Example Chain of Custody
• Informational DNA Tests– Infidelity Analysis
• Criminal Forensic DNA Cases• DNA Laboratory Accreditations Explained
Legal DNA Test Requirements
• Lab has to have necessary policies, procedures and accreditation with AABB
• Samples must be collected by person with no interest in the outcome of the case (no spouses, family or friends)
• Photo ID verified at time of collection and signed/dated by collector and participant
• Chain of Custody verifying control of all samples to the DNA Laboratory
Chain of Custody (COC)
• Look for/avoid common errors on the COC:– Proper consent of child by a guardian or conservator– Properly “relinquished” sample(s) by the collector
noted on the COC – Supporting documents verifying photo-identification
of each participant signed/dated by the collector and participant
– Lab terms and conditions attached to the COC– AABB accreditation on result– Notarized result – Result signed by lab director
Immigration Tests
• Always legally binding relationship tests• AABB Accreditation required at lab
performing immigration test• Local DNA office manages case from start to
finish for client including collection kit for overseas collection
• Make sure client has INS case #• Local DNA office sometimes contacted first
for immigration information (potential referral)
Informational DNA Tests
• Cannot be used for legally-binding cases– Does not prove the nature of the relationship without:
• disinterested third-party collector • proper documentation of participant identification
– Usually self-collected by participants – Infidelity and Ancestral Tests always informational– Only requires signed consent and/or signature of
guardian/conservator for minor (or incapacitated )
Infidelity Tests
• Informational tests only due to no COC
• Client has control of alternative sample
• Wants to analyze sample for presence of DNA
• Often compare to self (buccal swab reference sample)
Criminal Forensic Cases
• Look for:– Local access to independent, fully-accredited
forensics lab– Detailed case management including local
collections and crime lab sample procurement including COC to forensics lab
– Advanced quote of turn-around time and price – Odds of specific analysis resulting in a profile– Requirement to pay in full when samples arrive
at the lab
Lab Accreditations
• Forensic Quality Services International (FQS-I)
– ISO 17025 accreditation means the lab has completed the rigorous scrutiny of operations required including regular external audits
Lab Accreditations
• American Association of Blood Banks (AABB)
– International Association
– Supports the highest standards of medical, technical and administrative performance
Lab Accreditations
• NY DOH (State of New York Dept of Health)– Means the lab is authorized to perform
DNA tests on samples originating in the State of New York • New York requires a physician be
involved in a legal DNA relationship test
US Dept. of Homeland Security
• Requires that immigration DNA testing be performed by a AABB accredited lab
Lab Will Also:
• Have a PhD. review the results of each test
• Conduct and review the test results and documentation twice
• Be able to provide copies of current accreditation certificates
• Be listed on AABB web site