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| Forensic Science Communications | October 2001 — Volume 3 — Number 4 |
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 Standards and Guidelines |
Training GuidelinesScientific Working Group
on DNA Analysis Methods (SWGDAM)
The primary emphasis of the guidelines is to provide a model program of standardized study and training for laboratory personnel throughout the forensic DNA community. The benefits of these guidelines include improving the overall quality of work in private and public forensic laboratories performing forensic DNA analysis and allowing for greater flexibility and confidence in hiring laboratory staff. An ancillary benefit is guiding universities and forensic laboratories in developing and implementing educational and practical experiences common to all analysts. This document should assist laboratory directors in developing a training program applicable to the analytical methods used by their laboratories. Suggestions and directions are given to those involved in curriculum development in forensic science and related course work. Laboratory directors should consider including the aspects of these guidelines in their training programs when performing their annual reviews. These are guidelines and should be expanded and tailored to each laboratory and its training requirements. The training program employs a module system, and successful completion of each module is the goal of the trainee. This program is developed for the new employee (or a current employee new to DNA analysis). An examiner/analyst with prior training in forensic or other DNA analysis may not require all modules or steps. Similarly, the module content may be tailored as applicable to various job descriptions including technicians and reporting scientists. The module content should be customized to include all aspects of procedures and policies of the training laboratory. The laboratory should retain all documentation of the trainee's work. In accordance with the FBI Director's Quality Assurance Standards, a training program should take a new examiner/analyst a minimum of six months. The laboratory should develop the following to track the training program:
An introduction to the laboratory and the training program should be developed and provided. Upon completion, the trainee shall be familiar with the general operation of the forensic laboratory and the expectations of the training program.
1.2.1. Instruction for the trainer and the trainee 1.2.2. Orientation to the laboratory facility 1.2.3. Instruction on the organizational structure, code of ethics, and chain of command 1.2.4. Instruction on the security and confidentiality issues of a forensic laboratory 1.2.5. Introduction to the quality control/quality assurance program including documentation 1.2.6. Safety 1.2.6.1. Biohazards 1.2.6.2. Chemical hygiene plan 1.2.6.3. Fire safety 1.2.6.4. Bloodborne pathogens procedures 1.2.6.5. Material Safety Data Sheets 1.2.6.6. Laboratory policy on incident reports 1.2.6.7. Radiation training (where applicable) 1.2.6.8. Decontamination procedures
1.3.1. Quality control/quality assurance manual 1.3.2. Administration manual and operations manual 1.3.3. TWGDAM Guidelines (1989, 1991, 1995) 1.3.4. Quality Assurance Standards for Forensic DNA Testing Laboratories (2000) and/or Quality Assurance Standards for Convicted Offender DNA Databasing Laboratories (2000)
1.4.1. Module should be completed by examiners/analysts, technicians, and laboratory support personnel. 1.4.2. Documentation of successful completion of each task by form
To instruct the trainee on evidence handling in the forensic laboratory.
2.2.1. Instruction on the following topics: 2.2.1.1. Sample collection, packaging, and storage 2.2.1.2. Chain of custody, receiving, and handling evidence 2.2.1.3. Contamination of evidence 2.2.1.4. Case acceptance policy 2.2.1.5. Consumption of evidence 2.2.1.6. Laboratory documentation policy including paper or electronic case files
2.3.1. Laboratory evidence-handling protocol
2.4.1. Module should be completed by examiners/analysts and technicians. 2.4.2. Documentation of successful completion of each task by form
To ensure that a trainee has or is provided the formal education and the working knowledge of the fundamental scientific bases of forensic DNA analysis.
3.2.1. Laboratory analysts must have documentation of college-level course work covering fundamental and applied principles of genetics, biochemistry, and molecular biology as applied to forensic DNA analysis. Whereas there is considerable overlap in these fields, each has unique perspectives. Genetics refers to the study of inherited traits, genotype/phenotype relationships, and population/species differences in allele and genotype frequencies. Biochemistry covers the nature of biologically important molecules in living systems, DNA replication and protein synthesis, and the quantitative and qualitative aspects of cellular metabolism. Molecular biology covers theories, methods, and techniques used in the study and analysis of gene structure, organization, and function. Specific syllabus topics are not included because of variation in course titles, content, or curriculum emphasis. It is likely that more than one course will be necessary to adequately educate the trainee in these areas.
3.3.1. Committee on DNA Forensic Science, National Research Council (1992) DNA Technology in Forensic Science, Chapters 2, 4, 5, 6, and 7 3.3.2. Committee on DNA Forensic Science, National Research Council (1996) The Evaluation of Forensic DNA Evidence
3.4.1. Module should be completed by examiners/analysts. 3.4.2. Documentation of a trainee's successful completion of these tasks should be assessed by review of college transcripts and, if necessary, review of course descriptions or syllabi. Trainee must pass a written or oral qualifying test that assesses understanding of fundamental scientific knowledge as it applies to forensic DNA analysis.
To educate the trainee on the specific knowledge related to the field of forensic DNA analysis. The level of detail should be applicable to the trainee's job description.
4.2.1. Provide in-depth theoretical instruction on each topic appropriate to work being conducted in the laboratory and basic theoretical knowledge on any remaining topics. 4.2.1.1. Extraction 4.2.1.2. Southern Blot Analysis/Restriction Fragment Length Polymorphisms (RFLP) 4.2.1.3. Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR)-based methods 4.2.1.4. Polymarker (PM) + DQA1 4.2.1.5. D1S80 4.2.1.6. Short Tandem Repeats (STR) 4.2.1.7. Mitochondrial DNA 4.2.1.8. Relevant population genetics and forensic statistics
4.3.1. Laboratory's validation data
4.4.1. Module should be completed by examiners/analysts and technicians. 4.4.2. Documentation of successful completion by written and/or oral examination
To provide practical instruction to the trainee on analytical procedures used in the laboratory.
5.2.1. The laboratory should provide instruction, training, and practice on the following topics as they relate to the laboratory's standard analytical procedures: 5.2.1.1. Extraction 5.2.1.2. DNA quantization 5.2.1.3. Southern Blot Analysis/RFLP 5.2.1.4. PCR-based methods 5.2.1.5. PM + DQA1 5.2.1.6. D1S80 5.2.1.7. STRs 5.2.1.8. Mitochondrial DNA
5.3.1. Laboratory's analytical protocols 5.3.2. Kit manufacturer's literature
5.4.1. Module should be completed by examiners/analysts and technicians.
To learn how to interpret and report analytical results according to the laboratory's policy.
6.2.1. The trainee should receive instruction on the following: 6.2.1.1. Laboratory interpretation guidelines including interpretation of mixtures 6.2.1.2. Laboratory policy on case-jacket content 6.2.1.3. Statistical calculations 6.2.1.4. Report writing
6.3.1. Laboratory interpretation guidelines
6.4.1. Module should be completed by examiners/analysts. 6.4.2. The trainee will review 20 sets of data representative of casework and provide a written interpretation of the data according to the laboratory policy. The trainer will review and assess the reports for accuracy. These data sets can be samples representative of typical casework or actual casework data. The laboratory can maintain a standard file of data sets or share sets with other laboratories.
To instruct the trainee on the legal system of his/her own jurisdiction.
7.2.1. The trainee should receive instruction on the following topics: 7.2.1.1. Courtroom procedures and rules of evidence 7.2.1.2. Examiner/analyst qualifications 7.2.1.3. Technical testimony 7.2.1.4. Courtroom demeanor and attire 7.2.1.5. Testimony practice 7.2.1.6. Moot court(s) 7.2.1.7. Discovery and admissibility rules 7.2.1.8. Ethical responsibility of expert witness 7.2.1.9. Court system structure 7.2.1.10. Evidence presentation 7.2.2.The examiner/analyst will prepare a curriculum vitae and observe expert testimony.
7.3.1. Relevant and appropriate transcripts or pertinent case law
7.4.1. Module should be completed by examiners/analysts. 7.4.2. Completion of this module should be demonstrated by a minimum of one successful moot court. Documentation of the moot court should contain an evaluation of the trainee's performance and be retained by the laboratory.
SWGDAM Training Guidelines require that the technical leader and the examiner/analyst receive and complete the reading of a list of references specific to issues in forensic DNA. This list must include primary source material from scientific journals on each of the following topics:
The following bibliography represents a sample list of resources that may be helpful to the trainer in defining the breadth and scope of the materials for the trainee's reading. This list is not meant to be all inclusive. The laboratory should develop a list tailored to its specific needs. Adams, D. E., Presley, L. A., Baumstark, A. L., Hensley, K. W., Hill, A. L., Anoe, K. S., Campbell, P. A., McLaughlin, C. M., Budowle, B., and Giusti, A. M. Deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) analysis by restriction fragment length polymorphisms of blood and other body fluid stains subjected to contamination and environmental insults, Journal of Forensic Sciences (1991) 36(5):1284–1298. Anderson, S., Bankier, A. T., Barrell, B. G., de Bruijn, M. H., Coulson, A. R., Drouin, J., Eperon, I. C., Nierlich, D. P., Roe, B. A., Sanger, F., Schreier, P. H., Smith, A. J., Staden, R., and Young, I. G. Sequence and organization of the human mitochondrial genome, Nature (1981) 290:457–465. Budowle, B. and Baechtel, F. S. Modifications to improve the effectiveness of restriction fragment length polymorphism typing, Applied Theoretical Electrophoresis (1990) 1(4):181–187. Budowle, B., Chakraborty, R., Giusti, A. M., Eisenberg, A. J., and Allen, R. C. Analysis of the VNTR locus D1S80 by the PCR followed by high-resolution, American Journal of Human Genetics (1991) 48(1):137–144. Budowle, B., Giusti, A. M., Waye, J. S., Baechtel, F. S., Fourney, R. M., Adams, D. E., Presley, L. A., Deadman, H. A., and Monson, K. L. Fixed-bin analysis for statistical evaluation of continuous distributions of allelic data from VNTR loci for use in forensic comparisons, American Journal of Human Genetics (1991) 48(5):841–855. Budowle, B., Koons, B. W., and Moretti, T. R. Subtyping of the HLA-DQA1 locus and independence testing with PM and STR/VNTR loci, Journal of Forensic Sciences (1998) 43(3):657-660. Erratum, Journal of Forensic Sciences (1998) 43(5):1105. Budowle, B., Lindsey, J. A., DeCou, J. A., Koons, B. W., Giusti, A. M., and Comey, C. T. Validation and population studies of the loci LDLR, GYPA, HBGG, D7S8, and Gc (PM loci), and HLA-DQ alpha using a multiplex amplification and typing procedure, Journal of Forensic Sciences (1995) 40(1):45–54. Budowle, B., Monson, K. L., Giusti, A. M., and Brown, B. L. The assessment of frequency estimates of Hae III-generated VNTR profiles in various reference databases, Journal of Forensic Sciences (1994) 39(2):319–352. Budowle, B., Moretti, T. R., Keys, K. M., Koons, B. W., and Smerick, J. B. Validation studies of the CTT STR multiplex system, Journal of Forensic Sciences (1997) 42(4):701–707. Budowle, B., Smerick, J. B., Keys, K. M., and Moretti, T. R. United States population data on the multiplex short tandem repeat loci--HUMTHO1, TPOX, and CSF1PO and the variable number tandem repeat locus D1S80, Journal of Forensic Sciences (1997) 42(5):846-849. Erratum, Journal of Forensic Sciences (1998) 43(1):253. Budowle, B., Waye, J. S., Shutler, G. G., and Baechtel, F. S. Hae III: A suitable restriction endonuclease for restriction fragment length polymorphism analysis of biological evidence samples, Journal of Forensic Sciences (1990) 35(3):530–536. Budowle, B., Wilson, M. R., and DiZinno, J. A. Mitochondrial DNA regions HVI and HVII population data, Forensic Science International (1999) 103:23–35. Butler, J. M. Forensic DNA Typing: Biology and Technology Behind STR Markers. Academic Press, San Diego, California, 2001. Chakraborty, R. Statistical interpretation of DNA typing data, American Journal of Human Genetics (1991) 49(4):895-897, 899–903. Chakraborty, R. Sample size requirements for addressing the population genetic issues of forensic use of DNA typing, Human Biology (1992) 64(2):141–159. Chakraborty, R. and Kidd, K. K. The utility of DNA typing in forensic work, Science (1991) 254:1735–1739. Comey, C. T. and Budowle, B. Validation studies on the analysis of the HLA DQ alpha locus using the polymerase chain reaction, Journal of Forensic Sciences (1991) 36(6):1633–1648. Comey, C. T., Budowle, B., Adams, D. E., Baumstark, A. L., Lindsey, J. A., and Presley, L. A. PCR amplification and typing of the HLA-DQ alpha gene in forensic samples, Journal of Forensic Sciences (1993) 38(2):239–249. Committee on DNA Forensic Science, National Research Council. DNA Technology in Forensic Science. National Academy Press, Washington, DC, 1992. Committee on DNA Forensic Science, National Research Council. An Update: The Evaluation of Forensic DNA Evidence. National Academy Press, Washington, DC, 1996. Crouse, C. A., Rogers, S., Amiott, E., Gibson, S., and Masibay, A. Analysis and interpretation of short tandem repeat microvariants and three-banded allele patterns using multiple allele detection systems, Journal of Forensic Sciences (1999) 44:87–94. Crouse, C. A. and Schumm, J. Investigation of species specificity using nine PCR-based human STR systems, Journal of Forensic Sciences (1995) 40:952–956. Devlin, B., Risch, N., and Roeder, K. Comments on the statistical aspects of the NRC's report on DNA typing, Journal of Forensic Sciences (1994) 39(1):28–40. DNA Advisory Board. Quality assurance standards for convicted offender DNA databasing laboratories, Forensic Science Communications [Online] (July 2000). Available: www.fbi.gov/hq/lab/fsc/backissu/july2000/codispre.htm DNA Advisory Board. Quality assurance standards for forensic DNA testing laboratories, Forensic Science Communications [Online] (July 2000). Available: www.fbi.gov/hq/lab/fsc/backissu/july2000/codispre.htm Edwards, A., Civitello, A., Hammond, H., and Caskey, C. T. DNA typing and genetic mapping with trimeric and tetrameric tandem repeats, American Journal of Human Genetics (1991) 49:746–756. Ehrlich, H. A. PCR Technology: Principles and Applications for DNA Amplification. Stockton Press, New York, 1989. Fowler, J. C., Burgoyne, L. A., Scott, A. C., and Harding, H. W. Repetitive deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) and human genome variation: A concise review relevant to forensic biology, Journal of Forensic Sciences (1988) 33:1111–1126. Fregeau, C. J. and Fourney, R. M. A DNA typing with fluorescently tagged short tandem repeats: A sensitive and accurate approach to human identification, BioTechniques (1993) 15:100–119. Gill, P., Ivanov, P. L., Kimpton, C., Piercy, R., Benson, N., Tully, G., Evett, I., Hagelberg, E., and Sullivan, K. Identification of the remains of the Romanov family by DNA analysis, Nature Genetics (1994) 6(2):130–135. Gill, P., Jeffreys, A. J., and Werrett, D. J. Forensic application of DNA 'fingerprints', Nature (1985) 316:76–79. Giusti, A. M., Baird, M., Pasquale, S., Balasz, I., and Glassberg, G. Application of deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) polymorphisms to the analysis of DNA recovered from sperm, Journal of Forensic Sciences (1986) 31:409–417. Hammond, H. A., Jin, L., Zhong, Y., Caskey, C. T., and Chakraborty, R. Evaluation of 13 short tandem repeat loci for use in personal identification applications, American Journal of Human Genetics (1994) 55:175–189. Higuchi, R., von Beroldingen, C. H., Sensabaugh, G. F., and Erlich, H. A. DNA typing from single hairs, Nature (1988) 332:543–546. Hochmeister, M. N., Budowle, B., Eisenberg, A., Borer, U. V., and Dirnhofer, R. Using multiplex PCR amplification and typing kits for the analysis of DNA evidence in a serial killer case, Journal of Forensic Sciences (1996) 41(1):155–162. Jeffreys, A. J., Brookfield, J. F., and Semeonoff, R. Positive identification of an immigration test case using human DNA fingerprints, Nature (1985) 317:818–819. Jeffreys, A. J., Wilson, V., and Thein, S. L. Individual-specific 'fingerprints' of human DNA, Nature (1985) 318:577–579. Kasai, K., Nakamura, Y., and White, R. Amplification of variable number tandem repeat (VNTR) locus (pMCT118) by the polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and its application to forensic science, Journal of Forensic Sciences (1990) 35:1196. Kayser, M., Caglia, A., Corach, D., and Fretwell, N. Evaluation of Y-chromosomal STRs: A multicenter study, International Journal of Legal Medicine (1997) 110:125–133, 141–149. Lander, E. S. and Budowle, B. DNA fingerprinting dispute laid to rest, Nature (1994) 371:735–738. Lazaruk, K., Walsh, P., Oaks, F., Gilbert, D., Rosenblum, B., Menchen, S., Scheibler, D., Wenz, H., Holt, C., and Wallin, J. Genotyping of forensic short tandem repeat (STR) systems based on sizing precision in a capillary electrophoresis instrument, Electrophoresis (1998)19:86–93. Lewontin, R. C. and Hartl, D. L. Population genetics in forensic DNA typing, Science (1991) 254:1745–1750. Lins, A. M., Sprecher, C. J., Puers, C., and Shumm, J. W. Multiplex sets for the amplification of polymorphic short tandem repeat loci B silver stain and fluorescent detection, BioTechniques (1996) 20:882–889. Mannucci, A., Sullivan, K. M., Ivanov, P. L., and Gill, P. Forensic application of a rapid and quantitative DNA sex test by amplification of the X-Y homologous gene amelogenin, International Journal of Legal Medicine (1994) 106:190–193. Mansfield, E. S., Robertson, J. M., Vainer, M., Isenberg, A. R., Frazier, R. R., Ferguson, K., Chow, S., Harris, D. W., Barker, D. L., Gill, P. D., Budowle, B., and McCord, B. R. Analysis of multiplexed short tandem repeat (STR) systems using capillary array electrophoresis, Electrophoresis (1998) 19(1):101–107. Micka, K. A., Amiott, E. A., and Hockenberry, T. L. TWGDAM validation of a nine-locus and a four-locus fluorescent STR multiplex system, Journal of Forensic Sciences (1999) 44:1243–1257. Nakahori, Y., Hamano, K., Iwaya, M., and Nakagome, Y. Sex identification by polymerase chain reaction using X-Y homologous primers, American Journal of Medical Genetics (1991) 39:472–473. Piercy, R., Sullivan, K. M., Benson, N., and Gill, P. The application of mitochondrial DNA typing to the study of white Caucasian genetic identification, International Journal of Legal Medicine (1993)106(2):85–90. Reynolds, R., Sensabaugh, G., and Blake, E. Analysis of genetic markers in forensic DNA samples using the polymerase chain reaction, Analytical Chemistry (1991) 63(1):2–15. Risch, N. J. and Devlin, B. On the probability of matching DNA fingerprints, Science (1992) 255:717–720. Roeder, K. DNA fingerprinting: A review of fhe controversy, Statistical Sciences (1994) 9:222–278. (Comments by Balking, Berry, Lempert, Lewontin, Sudbury, Thompson, and Weir and rejoinder by Roeder.) Saiki, R. K., Bugawan, T. L., Horn, G. T., Mullis, K. B., and Erlich, H. A. 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Independence of VNTR alleles defined as floating bins, American Journal of Human Genetics (1992) 51:992–997. Wilson, M. R., DiZinno, J. A., Polanskey, D., Replogle, J., and Budowle, B. Validation of mitochondrial DNA sequencing for forensic casework analysis, International Journal of Legal Medicine (1995) 108(2):68–74. Wilson, M. R., Polanskey, D., Butler, J., DiZinno, J. A., Replogle, J., and Budowle, B. Extraction, PCR amplification and sequencing of mitochondrial DNA from human hair shafts, BioTechniques (1995) 18(4):662–669. Wilson, M. R., Stoneking, M., Holland, M. M., DiZinno, J. A., and Budowle, B. Guidelines for the use of mitochondrial DNA sequencing in forensic science, Crime Laboratory Digest (1993) 20(4):68–77. Word, C. J., Sawosik, T. M., and Bing, D. H. Summary of validation studies from twenty-six forensic laboratories in the United States and Canada on the use of the AmpliType PM PCR amplification and typing kit, Journal of Forensic Sciences (1997) 42(1):39–48. 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| Forensic Science Communications | October 2001 — Volume 3 — Number 4 |