Comparing Standard and Selective Degradation DNA Extraction Methods: Results from a Field Experiment with Sexual Assault Kits1, 2. Issue 1 (25th November 2016)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Campbell, Rebecca; Pierce, Steven J.; Sharma, Dhruv B.; Shaw, Jessica; Feeney, Hannah; Nye, Jeffrey; Schelling, Kristin; Fehler‐Cabral, Giannina
• Is Part Of: Journal of forensic sciences. Volume 62:Issue 1(2017)
• Page Start: 213
• Page End: 222
• Publication Date: 2016-11-25
• Subjects: forensic science -- selective degradation -- DNA -- forensic testing -- sexual assault kits -- rape kits -- CODIS; Medical jurisprudence -- Periodicals; Forensic sciences -- Periodicals; Forensic Medicine -- Periodicals; Gerechtelijke geneeskunde; Gerechtelijke chemie; Gerechtelijke psychiatrie; 363.2505
• DOI: 10.1111/1556-4029.13251
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0022-1198

Abstract

Abstract: A growing number of U.S. cities have large numbers of untested sexual assault kits (SAKs) in police property facilities. Testing older kits and maintaining current case work will be challenging for forensic laboratories, creating a need for more efficient testing methods. Methods: We evaluated selective degradation methods for DNA extraction using actual case work from a sample of previously unsubmitted SAKs in Detroit, Michigan. We randomly assigned 350 kits to either standard or selective degradation testing methods and then compared DNA testing rates and CODIS entry rates between the two groups. Results and conclusions: Continuation‐ratio modeling showed no significant differences, indicating that the selective degradation method had no decrement in performance relative to customary methods. Follow‐up equivalence tests indicated that CODIS entry rates for the two methods could differ by more than ±5%. Selective degradation methods required less personnel time for testing and scientific review than standard testing.