MSP Forensic Scientist I CODIS Interview

how many loci does CODIS use?

20

what does CODIS stand for?

combined DNA index system

what type of samples are included in CODIS?

known/convicted offenders, unsolved crime scene evidence, missing persons, arrestee DNA samples

qualifying status factors

offense type (felonies, certain misdemeanors), legal status (in custody, under supervision), case type (crime scene evidence, unidentified remains, missing persons), law enforcement authority

DNA analysis process

extraction, quantitation, amplification, capillary electrophoresis, interpretation

what information is stored in these databases?

DNA profiles

difference between QA and QC

plan QA, perform QC

what is quality assurance (QA)?

planned and systemic actions necessary to demonstrate laboratory’s product/service meets quality requirements

what is quality control (QC)?

day-to-day actions performed by personnel of the lab to ensure quality product

what is a competency test?

evaluation of person’s ability to perform work in a functional area prior to performance of independent case work

what is proficiency testing?

quality assurance measure used to monitor performance and identify areas in which improvement may be needed

what does ANAB stand for?

ANSI (american national standards institute) national accreditation board

the main standards used by testing and calibration labs

ISO 17025

data conversion from CE to electropherogram

fragment from CE, through ILS (internal lane standard), data point, through allelic ladder, allele call