Credibility of forensic DNA typing is driven by stringent quality standards

The quality of a forensic DNA investigation is by its nature limited by the condition and integrity of the sample, which is subjected to analysis. In the forensic laboratory a diverse range of items has to be searched for evidentiary biological stains. After detection, the DNA evidence is collected, labeled, stored, and analyzed in such a manner that the quality and integrity of the sample is preserved at every stage of the process. The enormous evidentiary strength of evidence, which is obtained when a reference DNA sample from a suspect is declared to match with the DNA from the evidentiary stain, has required forensic science laboratories to adopt stringent quality control measures. Sample mix-up and contamination of forensic evidence are the most serious concerns throughout the laboratory process. Various measures can be taken by the individual forensic science laboratory to assure high quality standards. Laboratory accreditation is essential in assessing the quality of the forensic science laboratory. Reanalysis and a second test by an independent laboratory can further prove the integrity and correctness of the DNA-typing results. Forensic DNA typing should be state of the art, however new DNA-typing technologies can only be introduced after its full acceptance in the world of molecular genetics. Subsequently, it is the responsibility of the forensic community to demonstrate the validity of any new application in the forensic context.