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Principles of Forensic DNA for Officers of the Court

Forensic Principles and Practices Related to Microbial Investigations

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In this developing field, scientists are working to be sure that forensic principles and practices are applied to microbial investigations:

  • Reliable evidence collection: Appropriate and documented sampling of suspected microbial organisms from the crime scene.
  • Proper chain of custody: Proper sealing of evidence and preparation and maintenance of records that trace the evidentiary material from crime scene to laboratory.
  • Correct laboratory analysis: DNA analysis methods such as DNA extraction, PCR amplification, sequencing, STR analysis, SNP analysis, and others that have been validated by the laboratory.

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