What is Forensic Genetic (DNA) Testing?
Forensic genetic (DNA) testing involves the analysis of DNA in criminal investigations to positively identify the perpetrator and/or victim of a crime. Genetic testing is just one type of testing performed in a forensic lab, which often performs analyses of many different types of evidence.
- The primary tool used in forensic genetics is called DNA fingerprinting (also called DNA profiling), which refers to a range of techniques to determine the unique DNA make-up that each person has for the sole purpose of identification.
- DNA may be taken from multiple sources including, personal items (i.e. toothbrush or razor), banked samples (i.e. banked sperm or tissue), bodily fluids (i.e. saliva or semen), or people.
Forensic genetics testing has revolutionized the criminal justice system and is widely used throughout the world.
Forensic genetic testing has played an important role in the media attention and public's awareness of genetics in general.
Forensic DNA Testing Providers
Laboratories throughout the United States perform forensic testing. These labs often vary in structure and funding.
- Public crime labs are funded on the Federal, State, county or city levels. Some public labs are associated with a law enforcement agency or the district attorney's office, while others are associated with independent government agencies.
- Forensic laboratories can also be privately held.
Not every laboratory offers comprehensive forensics services, including forensic genetic testing. Some labs contract out their DNA testing needs to private labs or other public labs.
More information about forensic DNA testing can be found at: The President's DNA Initiative.