title: DNA testing of sexual assault evidence: the laboratory perspective.
abstract: The availability of DNA testing has dramatically changed the way that crimes are investigated. DNA results can link offenders to their crimes, exonerate wrongfully accused individuals, identify mass fatality victims and more. In the case of sexual assault, DNA evidence alone cannot prove that a sexual assault has occurred. DNA analysis can only reveal whether a person's DNA is, or is not, present. In this paper, the authors provide readers with an overview of the advantages and limitations of DNA analysis, the importance of proper evidence collection, the technologies available, and the amount of sample needed for testing. Through proper evidence collection and quality laboratory services, the full value of DNA will be realized.
authors: Harris County Institute of Forensic Sciences, Houston, TX, USA. anb614@gmail.com
authors: Abby
authors: A
authors: Burg
authors: Roger
authors: R
authors: Kahn
authors: Katherine
authors: K
authors: Welch
mesh_terms: D000068:Accreditation; D019548:Crime Victims; D004247:DNA / Q000032:analysis / Q000235:genetics; D016172:DNA Fingerprinting; D030541:Databases, Genetic; D004282:Documentation; D005260:Female; D053604:Forensic Nursing; D058869:Gynecological Examination; D006801:Humans; D007753:Laboratories; D059232:Laboratory Personnel; D008297:Male; D018895:Microsatellite Repeats; D011361:Professional Competence; D011902:Rape; D012661:Semen / Q000737:chemistry; D013048:Specimen Handling; D013997:Time Factors
chemical_list: D004247:DNA