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Why can’t I submit debris from a fire scene in a plastic or paper bag?

Many petroleum products, or other potential accelerants, evaporate very quickly. An airtight container must be used to ensure that any product is retained in the debris rather than lost prior to analysis. We recommend clean, lined, airtight paint cans as the most appropriate containers for fire debris.

What does it mean when the report indicates that no drugs were detected?

There are no all-inclusive drug tests. Only specific drugs or drug categories may be addressed by any test or series of tests. When the toxicology report indicates that no drugs were detected, this merely indicates that none of the drugs in the specific categories mentioned were found at or above detection limits. Lower drug concentrations cannot be excluded. Further, it does not exclude the presence of drugs in categories not tested.

Do I need to submit an RFLE with my DUI/D case?

An RFLE is not required for implied consent or search warrant DUI/D cases where the blood samples were collected using the DFS kit and the kit is mailed to DFS. If the kit is delivered via a hand to hand transfer to a DFS Laboratory (i.e., in person), an RFLE is required to document the chain of custody.

There is a DUI/D Submission Information sheet provided in  newer kits that should be filled out and included with the submitted kit. If you have an older kit that does not contain the DUI/D Submission Information Sheet, you may access it here.

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.

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.