Award Information
Description of original award (Fiscal Year 2017, $627,301)
The project will address the need for improvement and expanded DNA testing capabilities in a local forensic DNA laboratory.
The first goal of the project is to increase testing capacity in both DNA analysis and evidence screening. The laboratory recently validation the Qiagen Investigator 24plex QS (IQS) system for use on the 3500xL genetic analyzer. The purchase of two (2) 3500xL Genetic Analyzers will increase the capacity of the laboratory to perform DNA analysis of casework samples. Five (5) GeneMapper ID-X software licenses will be purchased to analyze forensic DNA evidence profiles generated using the IQS kit.
In response to the increased serology and DNA backlogs, Dallas County approved the addition of six new Forensic Biologist I positions. These analysts will devote their effort to evidence screening and serology casework and allow existing staff to focus efforts on DNA testing.
To provide availability and accessibility of these new staff to the LIMS system, workstations will be purchased to facilitate retrieval of case information, tracking of evidence, entry of analytical results, and report generation. Additionally, the purchase of an alternate light source with imaging capabilities will increase the laboratory's screening capacity and improve the quality of the supporting documentation of the testing performed.
The second goal of this project is to provide analysts training in probabilistic genotyping. STRmix is the probabilistic genotyping software that will be validated and implemented in the Forensic Biology Unit in calendar year 2017. In this project, analysts will attend a STRmix user training workshop covering likelihood ratios and sampling uncertainty, introduction to STRmix, and a detailed description of the molecular models and mathematics on which STRmix is based. Attendance at this workshop will facilitate the validation and implementation of the software in the laboratory and enhance the services provided to our customers.
nca/ncf