DNA TESTING IN THE FORENSIC LABORATORY

DNA tests have many advantages over traditional serologic methods. The y are more powerful and applicable in a greater variety of specimens. Since DNA testing began being used in forensic testing in the past dec ade, techniques have developed rapidly. Methods include analysis of re striction fragment length polymorphisms, not blots of allelic sequence information, short tandem repeats, and mitochondrial sequence determi nation. The quality assurance standards for DNA testing are very strin gent and must meet numerous guidelines required by the forensic commun ity and by the court system.