Interpret Forensic DNA Reports

How Do I Interpret A Forensics DNA Report?

The forensic DNA report lists the samples tested and describes and provides the results based on a comparison of known and unknown evidence samples. The four possible interpretations for the results of a forensic DNA test are as follows: match, non-match, no DNA obtained, and inconclusive.

A match means that the DNA profile obtained from the evidence sample is consistent with the DNA profile obtained from the known reference sample (ie. suspect). A non-match means that an individual’s DNA profile is not consistent with the DNA profile obtained from the evidence sample. No DNA obtained means that we were unable to extract DNA from the evidence sample provided to us. An inconclusive result is obtained when there is insufficient DNA for comparison.