Please visit out Forensic Kits page.
Archives
I submitted a DUI/D kit. Will I receive a Certificate of Analysis?
By statute, the original Certificate of Analysis in a DUI/D case is sent to the clerk of court. However, if laboratory personnel can identify the investigating/submitting officer, a copy of the Certificate of Analysis will be sent to that individual. Note: this is a new procedure for cases submitted after March 16, 2017.
What should I do if the DUI/D kit I have is passed the “vacuum not guaranteed after” date?
The Department has approved the use of other gray top, vacuum blood vials containing potassium oxalate and sodium fluoride that are of similar volume to those included in the kit, provided the vials are used within the expiration dates printed on the vials.
I have an old case that is still unsolved. Is there anything that can be done now that could help clear the case?
If you have an old, unsolved case that you would like to resubmit for re-evaluation, please call the Forensic Biology Section prior to submission. The case file will be retrieved and reviewed so that both the examiner and officer can discuss the possible course of analysis that could be conducted prior to the re-submission of the evidence. This communication also enables the officer to know which items of evidence to resubmit to the laboratory.
How can I get my case searched in the Virginia DNA Data Bank?
If you have a case in which there is biological material identified, but you have no suspect, the case will be searched against the DNA Data Bank. If there is a “hit” against an individual, you will receive a report stating the offender’s name and other identifying information. If there is a “hit” against the DNA profile of crime scene material from another case, you will receive a report stating the FS Laboratory Number and jurisdiction of the related case. If there is not a hit, you will receive a report stating this. These cases are routinely searched as the DNA Data Bank is updated with new profiles.
What do I do if I have a court date and have not received a DNA report on the evidence I submitted?
If you have not received a report on a case and find out that a court date has been set, notify the examiner/Forensic Biology Section as soon as possible. This will help ensure that the analysis can be completed in advance of the 21 day rule which applies to DNA analysis.
What DNA technology does DFS use when analyzing evidence from criminal cases?
For autosomal DNA testing, the Virginia Department of Forensic Science currently uses Promega’s PowerPlex® Fusion System, which includes the D3S1358, D1S1656, D2S441, D10S1248, D13S317, D16S539, D18S51, D2S1338, CSF1PO, TH01, vWA, D21S11, D7S820, D5S818, TPOX, D8S1179, D12S391, D19S433, D22S1045, and FGA plus Penta E, Penta D, DYS391 and Amelogenin loci.
What does a CODIS “hit” mean?
A CODIS “hit” can be made by a DNA profile from evidence in an unsolved case matching the DNA profile from a convicted offender or an arrestee. A “hit” can also be made between evidence in an unsolved case and another unsolved case or to a previously solved case.
The fact that the DNA profiles matched is meant to provide an investigative lead to the detective or investigator, to help solve the particular unsolved case. He/she will need to conduct further investigation to determine any possible involvement of the convicted offender, arrestee, or the perpetrator of the solved case to the unsolved case in question.
On what types of cases can a CODIS search be conducted?
CODIS searches can be conducted on the DNA profiles developed from biological evidence in cases where the identity of the perpetrator is unknown to the investigator. In theory, any biological material could yield a DNA profile if there is a sufficient number of cells from the perpetrator.
What is CODIS?
CODIS stands for Combined DNA Index System. It is a national system of computer databases designed by the FBI to store DNA profiles from individuals as well as crime scene evidence. Any DNA profile developed from the evidence in a case with no suspects can then be searched against the databases, and possible investigative leads developed from any matching profiles in the database.