OSACHuman ForensicBiology Subcommittee

This Process Map provides a visual description of the various steps of the casework process performed by DNA analysts and is an attempt to represent all reasonable variations in current practice. OSAC and SWGDAM do not explicitly support or endorse (as best practices) all of the different steps and/or paths as depicted on this

current-practices process map.

Human Forensic DNA Analysis(Current Practice) May 5, 2022 Page 1 of 42

Introduction

The National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) facilitated the development of this Human Forensic DNA Analysis Process Map through a collaboration

between the NIST Forensic Science Research Program and the NIST administered Organization of Scientific Area Committees (OSAC) for Forensic Sciences

(specifically OSAC?s Human Forensic Biology Subcommittee) with contributions from the Scientific Working Group on DNA Analysis Methods (SWGDAM).

This Human Forensic DNA Analysis Process Map (Current Practices) captures details about the various procedures, methods and decision points most frequently

encountered in the discipline of human forensic biology/DNA analysis from a national perspective and is intended to reflect current practices. The discipline

requires analysts to make many decisions that can impact the quality and accuracy of results. The Human Forensic DNA Analysis Process Map can benefit the

discipline by providing a behind-the-scenes perspective into the various components and decision points in the human forensic biology/DNA analysis process.

Process mapping is the visual representation of critical steps and decision points of a process. Components of the process are deconstructed, placed into specific

shapes within a flowchart and connected by one-way arrows to indicate directionality regarding decisions as well as progression throughout the overall process.

The shape of each box assists the reader by representing a specific type of activity.

This process map captures the diverse practices of multiple laboratories, with the goal of allowing a human forensic biology/DNA analyst to find their process

represented in the map. To ensure this, the mapping team avoided creating a map of what should be done (e.g., best practices) and instead attempted to

represent all reasonable variations of casework currently performed by human forensic biology/DNA analysts. For this reason, it is important to state that

neither the OSAC Human Forensic Biology Subcommittee nor SWGDAM necessarily support or endorse (as best practices) all of the different steps and paths

depicted in this process map.

This map is not intended to be a step-by-step instruction manual outlining minutia, nor is it intended to be so broad that it lacks utility. Rather, judgements were

made by the process mapping group as to which steps should be combined and which steps should be divided further. Certain processes represented in the map

have a required sequence while other components may vary by analyst or agency. Processes and decisions may also be dictated by agency policy or law.

Process Map Applications:

The Human Forensic DNA Analysis Process Map is intended to be used to help improve efficiencies while reducing errors, highlight gaps where further research

or standardization would be beneficial, and assist with training new examiners. It may also be used to develop specific laboratory policies and identify best

practices.

Scope of the Human Forensic DNA Analysis Process Map:

The scope of Human Forensic DNA Analysis Process Map is limited to core processes within the discipline of human forensic biology/DNA analysis. Several

topics are omitted from this map including mitochondrial DNA, CODIS, PCR cleanup, adenylation soak, and non-human DNA analysis. These topics may

subsequently be addressed by the process mapping team, an individual laboratory or a standardization committee.
OSACHuman ForensicBiology Subcommittee

This Process Map provides a visual description of the various steps of the casework process performed by DNA analysts and is an attempt to represent all reasonable variations in current practice. OSAC and SWGDAM do not explicitly support or endorse (as best practices) all of the different steps and/or paths as depicted on this

current-practices process map.

Human Forensic DNA Analysis(Current Practice) May 5, 2022 Page 2 of 42

3000 - SampleSelection 4000 - Sample Processing

5000 ? Genotyping 6000 ? Interpretation and Comparison 7000 - Reporting

1000 - Administrative Assessment 2000 - Technical

Assessment

Technology/Tool Assist

Describeshow technology aidsin the stepson

thispage

Input Box Outlinesthe inputsavailable at the

beginning of each section

Output Box

Describes the

output of the

stepson the

page

Discontinuation

of Assessment

or Examination

Extraction Quantitation

Report

Terminate Case

Case

Assessment

Item Assessment

(i.e. serology) Amplification

Deconvolution

(Binary/PGS)

Comparison/

Statistic

Calculation(s)

(Binary/PGS)

Intake Criteria

Inquiry Received Assessment

Capacity

Assessment

Analyst

Evidence

Intake

DNA

Batch

Planning/Triage

Item

Characterization

Generating and

Assessing

Quality of EPG

Assessing

Interpretability

(Suitability)

Number of

Contributors

Estimation

Review

(administrative,

technical,

independent

reanalysis)

Legend

Processstart/end

Process

Decision

Subprocess

Document

PAP

Stands for per

agency policy

Separation and

Detection

8000 -*Other DNAProcessesnot Included in thisMap

COD PCRCleanup IS Mitochondrial

DNAAnalysis

Adenylation

Soak

Non-Human DNA

Analysis
OSACHuman ForensicBiology Subcommittee

This Process Map provides a visual description of the various steps of the casework process performed by DNA analysts and is an attempt to represent all reasonable variations in current practice. OSAC and SWGDAM do not explicitly support or endorse (as best practices) all of the different steps and/or paths as depicted on this

current-practices process map.

Human Forensic DNA Analysis(Current Practice) May 5, 2022 Page 3 of 42

There wasa statement by the group that certain assumptionsneed to be made.

These are:

All reagentsthat are in use have been appropriately QC'ed PAPand in accordance with appropriate standards.

All instrumentsin use have been properly maintained PAPand in accordance with appropriate standards.

The movement through thismap reflectsa single item and appropriate separation of evidence from exemplars(separated by time and space) isfollowed.
OSACHuman ForensicBiology Subcommittee

This Process Map provides a visual description of the various steps of the casework process performed by DNA analysts and is an attempt to represent all reasonable variations in current practice. OSAC and SWGDAM do not explicitly support or endorse (as best practices) all of the different steps and/or paths as depicted on this

current-practices process map.

Human Forensic DNA Analysis(Current Practice) May 5, 2022 Page 4 of 42

Intake CriteriaAssessment Capacity Assessment

Request Received

1010

Case Acceptance Criteria

- Approval required?

- Approval received?

- Analysistime frame appropriate?

- Packaging appropriate?

- Sufficient case related information

(i.e. police report)?

1025

Initiate evidence receiving

processPAP

- Unique case identifier

- Unique item designation for

evidence

- Receipt generated and

provided to submitting

agency

- Initiate laboratory chain of

custody

- Generate appropriate

documentation

1020

Discontinue

evidence receiving

and proceed PAP

NO

1045

Assign case priority PAP

Determine which itemswill be processed and in

which order

- Administratively chosen

- Customer driven

- Investigative driven

- Random order

- Perceived probative value (based on analyst's

opinion)

- Sequential order

- Processbased

- Crime type

1050

Are there multiple

assignmentsfor varying

disciplines?

1060

Process case PAP

1055

Transfer Caseto

Assigned Analyst

NO

YES

GOTO

2000- Technical

Assessment

1000

Isevidence goingto

be evaluated for

acceptance

criteria?

YES

1030

Resource

evaluation?

(e.g. time?

expertise?)

NO

1040

Discontinue

evidence receiving

and proceed PAP

1005

Discontinue

Evidence Receiving

and proceed PAP

(per agency policy)

NO

YES

1000 - Intake CriteriaAssessment 1025 - Capacity Assessment

1015

Doesit meet

acceptance

criteria?

1035

Communicate to

customer and

document

decision
OSACHuman ForensicBiology Subcommittee

This Process Map provides a visual description of the various steps of the casework process performed by DNA analysts and is an attempt to represent all reasonable variations in current practice. OSAC and SWGDAM do not explicitly support or endorse (as best practices) all of the different steps and/or paths as depicted on this

current-practices process map.

Human Forensic DNA Analysis(Current Practice) May 5, 2022 Page 5 of 42

Technical Assessment

YES

Technology Assist

- Laboratory Information Management System

(LIMS)

- Court Records/ Court Portals/ Public Records

- Investigation Reports/AnalystsReports

2000

Input:

Evidence item(s)

forwarded to

assigned analyst

2055

All necessary

Itemsand case

information

received?

2090

Output: Catalogued case

items

2065

Additional case items

requested?

2070

Proceed with

existing case

items?

Return To

1000

NO

NO

YES

2085

Discontinue

evidence

examination and

proceed PAP

NO

2060

Communicate with customer

- Request additional

evidence

- Clarification on service

requested

- Further case information

(e.g. consensual partners)

YES

2000 - Technical Assessment

GOTO

3000 Case

Assessment

FROM

1055/1060- Capacity

Assessment

2035

Continue?

2015

Document PAP:

- Describeand document any differences

involvingCoC- or other discrepancy

- Include note or MFR (memorandum for

record) to agent/investigator

2040

Document PAP

2025

Communicate with

submitter or

evidence unit

NO

YES

YES

NO

YES

YES

NO

NO

2045

Discontinue

evidence

examination and

proceed PAP

2005

Inventory of evidence

(compare logof items with evidence received)

2010

Are there any

discrepanciesor issues

found?

2020

Reach out to submitter

or evidenceunit for

resolution?

2030

Can issue be

fixed/resolved?

2050

Case acceptance criteria

- Resourcesavailable?

- Technically feasible?

- Sufficient quality?

- Sufficient quantity?

- Exemplar collected properly?

- Analysisrequested appropriate?

- Packagingappropriate?
OSACHuman ForensicBiology Subcommittee

This Process Map provides a visual description of the various steps of the casework process performed by DNA analysts and is an attempt to represent all reasonable variations in current practice. OSAC and SWGDAM do not explicitly support or endorse (as best practices) all of the different steps and/or paths as depicted on this

current-practices process map.

Human Forensic DNA Analysis(Current Practice) May 5, 2022 Page 6 of 42

3198

Known Type

3196

Sample Type

Case Assessment

Available

Data/ Metrics/ Information

for Sample Suitability

3005

Review and document

pre-examination information

(e.g. case scenario, request,

crime type, etc)

3010

- Create Evidence TestingPlan based on

case information +agency policy

(determine what samplesto test and in

which order)

- Administratively chosen

- Customer driven

- Investigative driven

- Random order

- Perceived probative value (based on

analyst'sopinion)

- Sequential order

- Processbased

- Crime type

3015

Output:

Evidence Testing

Plan (i.e.

priority list)

3000

Input:

Catalogued

case items

3130

Conduct visual examination to

assessitem suitability (moldy,

soiled, appropriately labeled

etc.), characterize sample type

(i.e. bone, etc.)

and document (PAP)

3110

Open packaging

3120

Isit a single

item?

NO

3115

Document and

photograph (PAP)

3125

Inventory and sub

itemize PAP

3155

UpdateEvidence

TestingPlan PAP

3140

Communicate

issueswith

customer?

3105

Select item per

EvidenceTesting

Plan

NO

GOTO3300

Swab (1 of 2)

GOTO3400

Objects

(Fabric, Nails,

Clothes, etc.)

GOTO3500

Bone and

Teeth

GOTO3600

Hair

GOTO3700

Tissue

3150

Proceed with

examination?

3135

Isit suitable for

analysis?

YES

YES

Technology/Tool Assist

Visualization

- Stereoscope

- Microscope

- ALS

- Camera

- Magnifying Lens

3160

Is there more

evidence to examine

per testing

plan?

NO

- Ageof sample

- Appearanceof Sample (mold,

soiling)

- Appropriate Labeling

- SampleType

- Substrate

- Historyof sample (storage

conditions

3100 - Item Characterization

3000 - Case Assessment

FROM 2090

3165

Are there any

evidence itemsto

proceed with?

NO

YES

3170

Discontinue

evidence

examination and

proceed PAP

3145

Communicate with

submitter./attempt

to resolve issue.

YES

3180

Is thisa swab?

3182

Is thisa blood

tube?

3184

Is thisa stain card?

YES

3190

Isthis abone or

tooth?

YES

YES

YES

3192

Isthis aHair?

3194

Is thistissue? YES

YES

3188

Is thisan

abandonment

sample?

3186

Isthis asecondary

reference?

YES

YES

3175

Is the item a

reference

sample?

YES

NO

Go to 3200

True Exemplar

3100

Input:

Evidence Testing

Plan and catalog of

case items

YES

GOTO

3105 YES

NO

GOTO3700

Tissue

GOTO3500

Bone and

Teeth

GOTO3600

Hair

GOTO3400

Objects

(Fabric, Nails, Clothes, etc.)
OSACHuman ForensicBiology Subcommittee

This Process Map provides a visual description of the various steps of the casework process performed by DNA analysts and is an attempt to represent all reasonable variations in current practice. OSAC and SWGDAM do not explicitly support or endorse (as best practices) all of the different steps and/or paths as depicted on this

current-practices process map.

Human Forensic DNA Analysis(Current Practice) May 5, 2022 Page 7 of 42

3200 - TrueExemplar

3225

Output:

Presumed

biological material in a

tube

3200

Will the entire

item be

consumed?

3220

Collect sample,

document/photograph, and

disposition packaging (PAP)

- Break

- Scrape

- Swab

- Cut

- Punch

3205

Determine sizeof sample;

document/photograph; collect

and disposition parent item,

packaging and archival sample

(PAP) :

- Break

- Scrape

- Swab

- Cut

- Punch

3230

Isthere more evidenceto

assessper testingplan?

YES

NO

Technology/Tool Assist

- Punch Robot

- Pipette

- Scissors/ Scalpel / Razor Blades

- Tweezer / Forceps

3210

Obtain permission

from customer?

3215

Permission

obtained?

YES

NO

NO

YES

GOTODNA

Batch Planning3812

RETURN TO3160

FROM

3180/3182/3184

RETURNTO3160
OSACHuman ForensicBiology Subcommittee

This Process Map provides a visual description of the various steps of the casework process performed by DNA analysts and is an attempt to represent all reasonable variations in current practice. OSAC and SWGDAM do not explicitly support or endorse (as best practices) all of the different steps and/or paths as depicted on this

current-practices process map.

Human Forensic DNA Analysis(Current Practice) May 5, 2022 Page 8 of 42

3300 - SWAB(1 of 2)

3300

Serological

screening?

3305

YScreening? YES

NO

FROM 3196

3310

Sample for DNA

3335

Collect sample,

document/photograph,

and disposition

packaging (PAP)

- Break Swab

- Cut

3360

Output:

Presumed

biological material in a

tube

(swab/ cutting)

3315

Will the entire

item be

consumed?

NO

3320

Determine size,

document/photograph,

collect and disposition parent

item and packaging (PAP)

- Break Swab

- Cut

Go To

3370

Swab (2 of 2)

3355

Collect sample

(Y-screening / DNA),

document/photograph,

and disposition

packaging and archival

samples(PAP)

- Break Swab

- Cut

3340

Will the entire

item be

consumed?

3345

Determine size (Y-screening/

DNA), document/photograph,

collect and disposition parent

item, packagingand archival

samples(PAP)

- Break Swab

- Cut

NO

3365

Isthere more

evidence to assess

per testingplan?

YES

Technology/Tool Assist

Visualization

- Stereoscope

- Microscope

- ALS

- Camera

- Magnifying Lens

Screening

- Heat Block

- Pipettes

Sampling

- Tools

- Scissors/ Scalpel / Razor Blades

- Tweezer / Forceps

- Vacuum

- MeasuringTape

- Swabs

- Tape

3325

Obtain permission

from customer?

3330

Permission

obtained?

YES

NO

3345

Obtain permission

from customer?

3350

Permission

obtained?

YES YES

NO

YES

YES

NO

YES YES

NO

NO

RETURN TO3160

GOTODNA

BatchPlanning3812

NO

RETURN TO3160

RETURN TO3160
OSACHuman ForensicBiology Subcommittee

This Process Map provides a visual description of the various steps of the casework process performed by DNA analysts and is an attempt to represent all reasonable variations in current practice. OSAC and SWGDAM do not explicitly support or endorse (as best practices) all of the different steps and/or paths as depicted on this

current-practices process map.

Human Forensic DNA Analysis(Current Practice) May 5, 2022 Page 9 of 42

3300 - SWAB(2 of 2)

Criteria for Sample Size for

DNAAnalysis

CriteriaSample Size for

Serology Testing

3370

Create ScreeningPlan based on Case

information +visual exam +agency

policy

Screen for blood:

- Chemical

- Immunological

- Microscopic

Screen for saliva:

- Immunological

- Enzymatic

Screen for urine:

- Immunological

- Enzymatic

Screen for fecal material

- Enzymatic

- Chemical

Screen for semen:

- Enzymatic

- Chemical

- Immunological

- Microscopic

Screen for vaginal secretion:

- Enzymatic

3376

Document

results/

conclusions

3398

Output:

Presumed biological material in a tube

(swab/cutting) and

screening test results

FROM

3300

3372

Determine size:

- All serological screening

- DNA

Collect sample,

document/photograph, and

disposition packaging (PAP)

- Breaksswab

- Cut

- Concentration and distribution

staining

- Number of teststhat will be run

- Number of swabsavailable

3378

Evaluate the serological

screeningresults, case

information, and agency policy

to determine if update is

needed to theEvidence

TestingPlan

3380

Proceed with

current item?

3386

Usesample tested in

Serological screening?

3388

Sample for DNA

previously

collected?

YES

YES

NO

YES

3397

Collect sample,

document/

photograph, and

disposition

packaging (PAP)

- Break Swab

- Cut

3390

Will the entire

item be

consumed?

3392

Determinesize,

document/photograph, collect, and

disposition parent item and

packaging(PAP)

- Break Swab

- Cut

NO

YES

3374

Conduct

presumptive

and/or

confirmatory tests

PAP

RETURN TO

3160

GOTO3800

DNABatch

Planning

3399

Isthere more

evidence to assess

per testing

plan?

RETURNTO

3160

NO

YES YES

Technology/Tool Assist

Visualization

- Stereoscope

- Microscope

- ALS

- Camera

- Magnifying Lens

Screening

- Heat Block

- Pipettes

Sampling

- Tools

- Scissors/ Scalpel / Razor Blades

- Tweezer / Forceps

- Vacuum

- MeasuringTape

- Swabs

- Tape

- Tissue Homogenizer

- Laser Micro Dissection

YES

3394

Obtain

permission from

customer?

YES

3396

Permission

obtained?

NO

- Concentration and distribution

staining

- Number of teststhat will be run

- Number of swabsavailable

NO

GOTO 7000

Reporting

NO

3382

Isthere more

evidence to assess

per testing

plan?

3384

Proceed with

previously assessed

itemsper testing

plan?

NO

NO

GOTO3800

DNABatch

Planning

YES

RETURN TO3160

NO
OSACHuman ForensicBiology Subcommittee

This Process Map provides a visual description of the various steps of the casework process performed by DNA analysts and is an attempt to represent all reasonable variations in current practice. OSAC and SWGDAM do not explicitly support or endorse (as best practices) all of the different steps and/or paths as depicted on this

current-practices process map.

Human Forensic DNA Analysis(Current Practice) May 5, 2022 Page 10 of 42

3400 - OBJECTS(Fabric, Nails, Clothes, etc.) (1 of 2)

3412

Determine size,

document/photograph,

collect and disposition

parent item, packaging,

and archival sample

(PAP)

- Swab

- Lift

- Cut

- Vacuum

- Scrape

- Soak/ elute

3408

Serological

screening

now?

3426

Output:

Presumed

biological material in a

tube

(swab/cutting)

3410

Use case information, visual

exam, and agency policy to

determinewhere to sample

FROM

3186/3188/3196

3400

Conduct a

detailed visual

examination to

determine area of

interest with

possible

technology assist

3402

Document and/or

photograph visual

examination and

areasof interest

PAP

3406

Isthere evidence present

that will be examined by

other disciplines?

3422

Determine sizefor

serological testing,

document/photograph,

collect and disposition

parent item and

packaging (PAP)

- Swab

- Lift

- Cut

- Vacuum

- Scrape

- Soak/ elute

GOTO3800

DNABatch

Planning

3428

Is there more

evidence to assess

per testing

plan?

RETURN TO

3160

NO

YES

YES

3420

Use casescenario, visual exam, and agency

policy to determine ScreeningPlan

Screen for blood

- Chemical

- Immunological

- Microscopic

Screen for saliva

- Immunological

- Enzymatic

Screen for urine

- Enzymatic

Screen for fecal material

- Enzymatic

- Chemical

Screen for semen:

- Enzymatic

- Chemical

- Immunological

- Microscopic

Screen for vaginal secretion:

- Enzymatic

3420

Package, retain, and

trackother

evidence for later

analysis or

submission to other

sections(PAP)

Technology/Tool Assist

Visualization

- Stereoscope

- Microscope

- ALS

- Camera

- Magnifying Lens

Screening

- Heat Block

- Pipettes

Sampling

- Tools

- Scissors/ Scalpel / Razor Blades

- Tweezer / Forceps

- Vacuum

- MeasuringTape

- Swabs

- Tape

- Tissue Homogenizer

- Laser Micro Dissection

GO 3430

Objects (2 of 2)

3424

Test and

document

results/

conclusions

(presumptive and

/or confirmatory)

NO

NO

3414

Package and retain

other evidence?

3416

Send evidenceitem to

another section?

3418

STOP/send

evidence to other

section and

proceed PAP

NO

YES YES

NO

YES
OSACHuman ForensicBiology Subcommittee

This Process Map provides a visual description of the various steps of the casework process performed by DNA analysts and is an attempt to represent all reasonable variations in current practice. OSAC and SWGDAM do not explicitly support or endorse (as best practices) all of the different steps and/or paths as depicted on this

current-practices process map.

Human Forensic DNA Analysis(Current Practice) May 5, 2022 Page 11 of 42

3458

Output:

Presumed/confirmed

biological material in

atube

(swab/cutting, material removed

from object) and

screening test results

3430

Evaluate the serological

screening results, case

information, and agency

policy to determine if

update isneeded in

Evidence TestingPlan

3432

Proceed to DNA?

3444

Use sample tested in

serological

screening?

3446

Sample for DNA

previously

prepared?

3448

Will the entire

item be

consumed?

3450

Determine size,

document/photograph,

collect, and disposition

parent item and

packaging(PAP)

- Swab

- Lift

- Cut

- Vacuum

- Scrape

- Soak/ Elute

3456

Collect sample,

document/

photograph, and

disposition packaging

(PAP)

- Swab

- Lift

- Cut

- Vacuum

- Scrape

- Soak/ Elute

YES

NO

NO

YES

YES

3434

Additional

serological screening

needed on this

item?

NO

NO

3436

Other evidence present

that needsto be sent to

another section?

NO

Technology/Tool Assist

Visualization

- Stereoscope

- Microscope

- ALS

- Camera

- Magnifying Lens

Screening

- Heat Block

- Pipettes

Sampling

- Tools

- Scissors/ Scalpel / Razor Blades

- Tweezer / Forceps

- Vacuum

- MeasuringTape

- Swabs

- Tape

- Tissue Homogenizer

- Laser Micro Dissection

FROM 3224

3452

Obtain

permission from

customer?

3454

Permission

obtained?

YES YES

NO

3460

Is there more

evidence to assess

per testing

plan?

RETURNTO3160

NO

YES

Return to

3420 YES

YES

NO

YES

3400 - OBJECTS(Fabric, Nails, Clothes, etc.) (2 of 2)

3438

Isthere more

evidence to assess

per testing

plan?

RETURN TO3160

GOTO3800 DNA

Batch Planning

YES

NO

3442

Send evidence to

other section and

proceed PAP

GOTO3800 DNA

BatchPlanning

RETURN TO3160

3440

Proceed with

previously assessed

itemsper testing

plan?

YES

GOTO7000

Reporting

NO
OSACHuman ForensicBiology Subcommittee

This Process Map provides a visual description of the various steps of the casework process performed by DNA analysts and is an attempt to represent all reasonable variations in current practice. OSAC and SWGDAM do not explicitly support or endorse (as best practices) all of the different steps and/or paths as depicted on this

current-practices process map.

Human Forensic DNA Analysis(Current Practice) May 5, 2022 Page 12 of 42

3500 - BONEANDTEETH

3545

Collect tissue

and retain for

testing?

3540

Istissue present? YES YES

3565

Decontaminatebone

surface

- Clean (ethanol,

bleach, water)

- Sand

Technology Assist

Screening and Sampling

- Stereoscope

- Microscope

- Camera

- Magnifying Lens

- Scale

- Tools

- Scissors/ Scalpel / Razor Blades

- Tweezer / Forceps

- Vacuum

- MeasuringTape

- Swabs

- Sonicator

- Freezer Mill

- Bone Saw

- Drill/Dremel

- Rotator (incubator)

3550

Collect tissue

FROM 3190/3196

3535

Conduct visual

examination and

document/

photograph (PAP)

Appearance/

Condition

3555

Sub itemize, disposition

parent items, and

update EvidenceTesting

Plan (PAP)

3500

Hasthisitem

previously been

determined to be of

human

origin?

YES

3505

Send for human

identification?

3510

Send to other

section

3520

Proceed with

DNA?

NO

NO

3515

Review resultson

human identification

NO

Go to 3700

TISSUE

3560

Continue with

bone?

NO

3595

Output:

Biological material in a

tube

(fragment/powder)

3599

Is there more

evidence to assess

per testing

plan?

RETURNTO3160

3590

Sample prep and

document/photograph,

and disposition

packaging (PAP)

- Cutting

- Sanding

- Pulverizing

- Decalcification

- Drilling

- Swabbing

- Weigh material

retained

3570

Will the entire

item be

consumed?

3575

Determine size,

document/photograph,

collect, and disposition parent

item, packaging, and archival

sample (PAP)

- Cutting

- Sanding

- Pulverizing

- Decalcification

3580

Obtain

permission from

customer?

3585

Permission

obtained?

YES YES

NO

NO

NO

YES

3596

Is the sample

suitable for

STRs?

YES

3597

IsmtDNAanalysis

available?

GOTO7000

Reporting

NO

NO

3598

GOTO

Mitochondrial

YES

NO NO

YES

YES

YES

NO

YES

3525

Isthere more

evidence to assess

per testing

plan?

RETURN TO3160

3530

Proceed to DNA

processingwith

previously assessed

itemsper testing

plan?

GOTO7000

Reporting

YES

YES

NO

NO

GOTO3525 GOTO 3800

DNABatch

Planning

GOTO3800 DNA

Batch Planning
OSACHuman ForensicBiology Subcommittee

This Process Map provides a visual description of the various steps of the casework process performed by DNA analysts and is an attempt to represent all reasonable variations in current practice. OSAC and SWGDAM do not explicitly support or endorse (as best practices) all of the different steps and/or paths as depicted on this

current-practices process map.

Human Forensic DNA Analysis(Current Practice) May 5, 2022 Page 13 of 42

3600 - HAIR(Unknown, Known, Mounted)

3625

Am I goingto make a

hair determination?

3600

Hasthisitem

previously been

determined to be a

hair?

NO

3630

Send thisto another

section?

NO

3635

Send to another

section

Technology Assist

Screening and Sampling

- Stereoscope

- Microscope

- Camera

- Magnifying Lens

- Pipettes

- Tools

- Scissors/ Scalpel / Razor Blades

- Tweezer / Forceps

- Vacuum

- MeasuringTape

- Swabs

- Tape

- Sonicator

- Xylene

- Freezer

FROM

3192/3196

3650

Proceed with

DNA?

3640

Review resultson

hair identification

3685

Output: Presumed

biological material

in atube Hair(s)

3645

Document and

photograph (PAP)

NO

3680

SamplePrep:

- Remove from

Slide

- Washing

- Cutting

3605

Isthere other

evidence

Present?

3610

Collect, sub itemize,

disposition items, and

update Evidence Testing

Plan asneeded (PAP)

YES

3670

Obtain

permission from

customer?

3675

Permission

obtained?

GOTO3655

NO

YES YES

NO

3615

Am I goingto

perform a

visual/microscopic

examination of the

hair?

3620

Conduct visual examination and

document/photograph

(Root material, medulla, scales, medullary index, morphological

features, length, growth phase,

species, somaticorigin)

3665

Will the entire

item be

consumed?

YES

YES

YES

3587

Is there more

evidence to assess

per testingplan?

RETURN TO

3160

3686

Is the sample

suitable for STRs?

3688

Is the sample

suitable for mtDNA?

3690

GOTO

Mitochondrial

DNAAnalysis

(off map)

3691

Is non-Human

analysis

available?

3689

IsmtDNAanalysis

available?

GOTO7000

Reporting

YES YES

NO

NO

YES YES

NO

NO

NO

3692

GOTO

Non-Human DNA

Analysis

(off map)

YES

NO

NO

YES

NO

YES

YES

NO

3693

Is there more

evidence to assess

per testing

plan?

RETURN TO

3160

NO

GOTO7000

Reporting

YES

3655

Isthere more

evidence to assess

per testing

plan?

RETURN TO3160

3660

Isthere other

evidence to process

for DNAper testing

plan?

GOTO

7000

Reporting

YES

YES

NO

GOTO3800 DNA

BatchPlanning

GOTO3800 DNA

Batch Planning
OSACHuman ForensicBiology Subcommittee

This Process Map provides a visual description of the various steps of the casework process performed by DNA analysts and is an attempt to represent all reasonable variations in current practice. OSAC and SWGDAM do not explicitly support or endorse (as best practices) all of the different steps and/or paths as depicted on this

current-practices process map.

Human Forensic DNA Analysis(Current Practice) May 5, 2022 Page 14 of 42

3700 - TISSUE

3700

Paraffin

embedded

tissue?

3702

Remove paraffin

(Heat or Xylene)

YES

FROM

3560/3194/

3196/3198

3704

Serological

screening?

3716

Use case scenario, visual

examination and agency policy to:

- Select screening method

- Microscopic

- Human Origin

(Ouchterlony)

- Hematrace

- Enzymatic

- Immunological

- Determine size and sample for

serological screening

3740

Output: Presumed

biological material in

tubes(s)

(Tissue)

Screening Test Results

3744

Output:

Presumed

biological material in

tube(s)

(Tissue)

NO

3724

Proceed with DNA? YES

3746

Is there more

evidence to assess

per testing

plan?

RETURN TO

3160

NO

3742

Is there more

evidence to assess

per testing

plan?

RETURNTO

3160

NO

3738

Collect and prepare

sample, document/

photograph, and

disposition

packaging (PAP)

3730

Will the entire item

be consumed?

3732

Determine size,

document/photograph,

collect and prepare

sample and disposition

parent item and

packaging (PAP):

- Cut

NO

3714

Collect and Prep

sample and

Document/

photograph, and

disposition

packagingPAP.

3708

Will the entire

item be

consumed?

NO

3706

Use case information,

visual exam, and agency

policy to

determine where and

what to sample

3734

Obtain

permission from

customer?

3736

Permission

obtained?

YES YES

NO

3710

Obtain

permission from

customer?

3712

Permission

obtained?

YES YES

NO

YES

NO

YES

YES

YES

NO NO

YES

3726

Is there more

evidence to assess

per testing

plan?

RETURNTO3160

3728

Isthere other

evidence to process

for DNAper testing

plan?

GOTO7000

Reporting

YES

YES

NO

NO

RETURN TO3160

RETURNTO3160

GOTO3800 DNA

BatchPlanning

GOTO3800 DNA

Batch Planning

GOTO3800 DNA

Batch Planning

3720

Document

results/

conclusions

3722

Evaluate the serological

screeningresults, case

information, and agency policy

to determine if update is

needed to theEvidence

TestingPlan

3718

Conduct

Presumptive

and/or Confirmatory

TestsPAP
OSACHuman ForensicBiology Subcommittee

This Process Map provides a visual description of the various steps of the casework process performed by DNA analysts and is an attempt to represent all reasonable variations in current practice. OSAC and SWGDAM do not explicitly support or endorse (as best practices) all of the different steps and/or paths as depicted on this

current-practices process map.

Human Forensic DNA Analysis(Current Practice) May 5, 2022 Page 15 of 42

3800 - DNABatch Planning

3810

Batch Plan

3800

Input:

Tube(s) of presumed

biological material

+

Screening test results(when

performed)

+

Testing plan

3805

Use case information +screeningresults+sample

type +agency policy to create aBatch Plan

(determination of the processesthat each sample will undergo)

Case information

- Crime Type

PAP

- Administratively chosen

- Management driven

- LIMS

- Customer driven

- Investigative driven

- Random order

- Perceived probative value (based on analyst's

opinion)

- Sequential order

- Processbased

- Crime type

- Known Vs. Unknown

- TestingPlan

Extraction Methods

- Differential (Manual/Automated)

- Organic (Manual)

- Chelex (Manual / Automated)

- Bead (Manual / Automated)

- Bone ? Demineralization (Manual / Automated)

- Lyse only extractions(i.e., Chelex)

Lab Capacity Limitations

ADDSAMPLESFROM OTHERCASESTOCREATE

BATCH

Quantitation

Amplification

Capillary

Electrophoresis

Extraction

Rework

(items that need

to be retested)

GOTO

4036

Non-Differential

Extraction

GOTO

4458

Amplification

GOTO4000

Differential

Extraction

3845

Is there semen /potential for

semen present on this

sample?

3815

Isthisan exemplar

sample?

3820

Do you have direct to

amplification capabilities?

YES YES

GOTO

4036

Non-Differential

Extraction

NO

3850

Do you use a differential

extraction method on semen

containingsamples?

GOTO

4036

Non-Differential

Extraction

NO

3840

Do you use a lysis method for screeningthe

sample for YDNA?

3835

Isthe screeningfor the

presence of YDNArequired for

thissample?

GOTO

4036

Non-Differential

Extraction

YES

NO

NO

NO

YES YES

3825

Isa reference

sample required for

the sample to be

processed?

3830

Is there more

evidence to assess

per testing

plan?

YES YES RETURN TO3160

NO

NO

NO

FROM

3230/3365/3384/

3399/3428/

3440/3460/3530/3599/

3587/3660/3728/3742/

3746

3831

STOP/Hold for

reference

sample

YES

3812

Select the

evidence item to

process

FROM

4282/4326/4456/

5224/5325
OSACHuman ForensicBiology Subcommittee

This Process Map provides a visual description of the various steps of the casework process performed by DNA analysts and is an attempt to represent all reasonable variations in current practice. OSAC and SWGDAM do not explicitly support or endorse (as best practices) all of the different steps and/or paths as depicted on this

current-practices process map.

Human Forensic DNA Analysis(Current Practice) May 5, 2022 Page 16 of 42

4000 - EXTRACTION (1 of 3): Differential Extraction

4002

Batch - Extraction

4022

Will portion of sperm

fraction be placed on a

slide?

YES

4030

Lyse sperm cells

(chemicals are method specific)

SPERM FRACTION

Technology Assist

Extraction

- Balance

- pHMeter

- Centrifuge

- Incubator (Water Bath, Hot Plate)

- Pipette

- Vortex

- Sonicator

- BoneSaw (Bone)

- Freezer Mill (Bone)

- Extraction Robot

(ex. EZ1, Maxwell, Automate, Hamilton, QiaSymphony, Qiacube,

Biomek, Tecan)

- PPE

- Refrigerator

- Freezer

- Temperature MonitoringSystem

- Computers

- LIMS

- ElectronicWorkbook

- Extraction Chemicals/ Kit

4000

Input:

- Batch Plan

- Presumed/confirmed biological material in

tubes

- Screening test results

- Differential extraction reagents

4012

Retain the substrate

for future testing?

4016

Package and retain

substratePAP

4004

Lyse epithelial cells

(Chemicalsare method specific)

4006

Separatesubstrate

from liquid and

pellet sperm cell PAP

Remove lysed

epithelial cells

Go to 4052

Extraction

(3 of 3)

Combine

sample with extraction

chemicalsPAP

Prepare reagent blanks

PAPand per QAS

Combine

extraction control with

extraction chemicals

PAP

4018

Create sperm

fraction slide now?

4032

Create slidePAP

4025

STOP

Disposition SPERM

Fraction PAP

(discard, retain in lab,

or return to submitting

agency)

4024

Continue to

extraction?

4020

Perform sperm

washesPAP

YES YES

4014

Discard substrate

PAP

4008

Continue with

processing of

epithelial cells?

NO

SPERM FRACTION

NO

NO

NO

FROM

3850/4286/

4294/4300/

5114/6300

4010

STOP

Disposition NON-SPERM

Fraction PAP

(discard, retain in lab, or

return to submitting

agency)

Go to 4052

Extraction

(3 of 3)

4026

Additional washes

needed?

4028

Perform sperm

washesPAP

NO

4034

Examine and document

observationsPAP

- Presence of sperm

- Quantity of sperm

- Appearance of sperm

- Morphology of sperm

- Species

- Presence of epithelial

cells

YES YES

YES- Sperm Fraction

YES- Epithelial Fraction
OSACHuman ForensicBiology Subcommittee

This Process Map provides a visual description of the various steps of the casework process performed by DNA analysts and is an attempt to represent all reasonable variations in current practice. OSAC and SWGDAM do not explicitly support or endorse (as best practices) all of the different steps and/or paths as depicted on this

current-practices process map.

Human Forensic DNA Analysis(Current Practice) May 5, 2022 Page 17 of 42

4000 - EXTRACTION (2 of 3): Non-Differential Extraction

4038

Batch - Extraction

4040

Lyse Cells

Add extraction

chemicalsto break

down proteins

PAP

4044

Separatesubstrate

usingcentrifuge

concentrator, and/or

tool

PAP

Technology Assist

Extraction

- Balance

- pHMeter

- Centrifuge

- Incubator (Water Bath, Hot Plate)

- Pipette

- Vortex

- Sonicator

- BoneSaw (Bone)

- Freezer Mill (Bone)

- Extraction Robot

(ex. EZ1, Maxwell, Automate, Hamilton,QiaSymphony, Qiacube,

Biomek, Tecan)

- PPE

- Refrigerator

- Freezer

- TemperatureMonitoringSystem

- Computers

- LIMS

- ElectronicWorkbook

- Extraction Chemicals/ Kit

4046

Will the

substrate be

retained?

NO

4042

Remove

substrate?

YES

4050

Package and retain

substrate and

update testingplan

PAP

YES

4036

Input:

- Batch Plan

- Presumed biological material in tubes

- Screening test results

- Non-differential

extraction reagents

Combine

sample with extraction

chemicals

PAP

Prepare reagent blanks

PAPand per QAS

Combine

extraction control with

extraction chemicals

PAP

Go to 4052

Extraction

(3 of 3)

NO

FROM

3820/3840/

3845/3850

4048

Discard

PAP
OSACHuman ForensicBiology Subcommittee

This Process Map provides a visual description of the various steps of the casework process performed by DNA analysts and is an attempt to represent all reasonable variations in current practice. OSAC and SWGDAM do not explicitly support or endorse (as best practices) all of the different steps and/or paths as depicted on this

current-practices process map.

Human Forensic DNA Analysis(Current Practice) May 5, 2022 Page 18 of 42

4000 - EXTRACTION (Isolate and Purify) (3 of 3)

4054

Purify DNA

- Ethanol

precipitation

- Filter

- Column

- Bead

- OrganicWash

4056

Visual and olfactory examination

of purified sample extraction

- Color

- Residue

- Organic Odors

- Amount of extract

4058

Further purification

needed?

4060

Purify DNA

- Ethanol

precipitation

- Filter

- Column

- Bead

- Organic Wash

GOTO

4400 Kit

Selection

NO

YES

NO

4068

Combine and

concentrate samples?

NO

4070

Combineand

concentrate extracts

from sameitem and

sample typePAP

4072

Concentrate

sample?

4074

Concentrate sample if

volume istoo high for low

level sample

4064

Dilute?

YES

YES

4080

Output:

Tube of

Presumed DNA

(extracted)

+

At Least One Reagent Blank

+

Extraction Control PAP

YES

4082

Direct to

amplification?

YES

GOTO

4200 DNA

Quantitation (1

OF3)

4052

Isolate/Purify

DNA?

NO

FROM

4008/4030/4050/

5370/5372

Technology Assist

Extraction

- pH Meter

- Centrifuge

- Incubator (Water Bath, Hot Plate)

- Pipette

- Vortex

- Extraction Robot

(ex. EZ1, Maxwell, Automate, Hamilton, QiaSymphony, Qiacube,

Biomek, Tecan)

- Sample Concentrator

- PPE

- Refrigerator

- Freezer

- Temperature MonitoringSystem

- Computers

- LIMS

- ElectronicWorkbook

- Extraction Chemicals/ Kit

4062

Visual and olfactory

examination of crude

lysate PAP

- Color

- Residue

- Amount of extract

LYSES ONLY METHOD

4066

Combine diluent to

the tube

(TEor water)

YES

4076

Normalize volumes?

4078

Normalize sample

volumes to reagent blank

volume by combining

diluent to sample

(TEor water)

NO

YES

NO
OSACHuman ForensicBiology Subcommittee

This Process Map provides a visual description of the various steps of the casework process performed by DNA analysts and is an attempt to represent all reasonable variations in current practice. OSAC and SWGDAM do not explicitly support or endorse (as best practices) all of the different steps and/or paths as depicted on this

current-practices process map.

Human Forensic DNA Analysis(Current Practice) May 5, 2022 Page 19 of 42

4200 - QUANTITATION (1 of 3)

4228

REALTIME- PCR

4224

Create quantitation

batch with one or

more of the

following(PAP):

Return to Overview

Technology Assist

Real-timePCR

- Real-timePCRinstrument

- Pipettes

- Liquid HandlingRobot

- Centrifuge

- Vortex

- Sealing tool

- LIMS

- Electronic workbook

- Kits

- Quantifiler Duo

- Quantifiler Trio

- Power Quant

- Plexor HY

- Investigator Quantiplex

- Inhouse

4200

Input:

- Tube of presumed DNA

(extracted)

- At least one reagent blank

- Extraction control (PAP)

- Batch Plan

4220

Make Quant

Master Mix based

on validated

procedure

4222

ADD

Quant Master Mix to

all appropriate wells

in plate

4206

Select

real-timePCRKit

(PAP)

4226

Place plate into

real-timePCR

instrument (select

instrument PAP)

4210

Make new standards

4208

Make new quant

standards?

YES

NO

4202

Do you quant

reagent blanks?

YES

4204

Preserve reagent

blanksand set aside

(PAP)

Import / manually

type

quant plate map

NO

Click "GO" to run

quant

GOTO

4234 Quant

(2 of 3)

FROM

4082/4284/

4298/4322/

5238

4212

Use previously made quant

standards?

NO

YES

4218

Prepare quant plate map

Select instrument method based on

RT-PCRkit and PAP

based on validation

ADD

Sample of presumed

DNA(Extract)

to plate with master mix

ADD

Reagent Blanks

(negative control)

to plate with master mix

ADD

Quant standards

(standard curve)

to plate with master mix

ADD

Quant negative control

(NTC)

to plate (only master mix)

ADD

Calibrators

to platePAP

ADD

Extraction control to

plate with master mix

(standard sample such

asNISTor NIST

traceable)

4230

Discard processed

quant plate PAP

4232

Output: Raw quantitation

data

4216

Prepare calibrators

4214

Prepare

calibrators?

NO
OSACHuman ForensicBiology Subcommittee

This Process Map provides a visual description of the various steps of the casework process performed by DNA analysts and is an attempt to represent all reasonable variations in current practice. OSAC and SWGDAM do not explicitly support or endorse (as best practices) all of the different steps and/or paths as depicted on this

current-practices process map.

Human Forensic DNA Analysis(Current Practice) May 5, 2022 Page 20 of 42

4236

Doesthe standard curve meet the

passing criteriaPAP?

( R2, Slope and YIntercept )

NO

NO

4254

Evaluate the plate control

dataPAP

- Negative Control

- Positive Control

- Calibrators

4244

Re-run PAP?

FROM

4232/5334/5236/5336/

5338/5340/5368

4256

Are plate controls within range PAP?

GOTO

4208

4258

Re-run PAP?

NO

YES

4248

Document

justification to use

quant standard

curve that did not meet passing criteria

4234

Wasvirtual curve

used?

YES

NO

YES

4238

Adjust curve by

deleting quant

standard data

point(s)?

4242

Doesthe standard curve meet the passing criteria

PAP?

( R2, Slope and Y

Intercept )

NO

GOTO

4208

4240

Delete quant standard

data point(s)

YES

4246

Continue with

quantitation

NO

4268

Evaluate the quant

data, melt curve,

amplification curve,

and IPC(PAP)

4270

Are the quant

resultsconsistent with

expectations set for

samplesand/or reagent

blanksduringsample

processing?

4272

Proceed with

amplification?

4274

Run species

determination?

(hematrace,

ouchterlony)

NO

NO

NO

RETURNTO

3196

4304

Re-sample?

4296

Dilute sample?

4298

Dilute DNAextract

4300

Change

extraction

technique?

RETURN TO

4000

RETURNTO

4200

4292

Purify?

4294

Purify DNAextract

RETURNTO

4200

4302

Proceed to Amp?

4276

Is it human?

4286

Repeat

Extraction?

4284

Repeat

quantitation?

4278

Send for outside

testing?

YES

NO

NO

YES

NO

RETURNTO

4000

GOTO4400

Kit Selection

NO

NO

NO

YES

YES

YES

YES

YES

YES

YES

GOTO4308

Quantitation 3

of 3

YES

NO

YES

YES

NO

YES

YES

4306

STOP/Send sample

to appropriate lab

and proceed PAP

NO

YES

GOTO

4284

4266

Document use of out

of range plate

controls and any

adjustments/

correctionsPAP

4260

Document? YES

NO

NO

4288

Can the sample be

processed to

concentrate the

quantity?

4290

Concentrate extract YES

4250

Adjust quant values

or amplification

thresholds/ input?

4252

Make necessary

adjustments

NO

4200 - QUANTITATION (2 of 3)

YES

4262

Adjust quant values

or amplification

thresholds/ input?

4264

Make necessary

adjustments

YES

4280

Is there more

evidence to screen

per testing

plan?

RETURNTO3160

GOTODNA

Batch Planning3812

4282

Isthere other

evidence to process

for DNAper

testing

plan?

GOTO7000

Reporting

YES

YES

NO

NO
OSACHuman ForensicBiology Subcommittee

This Process Map provides a visual description of the various steps of the casework process performed by DNA analysts and is an attempt to represent all reasonable variations in current practice. OSAC and SWGDAM do not explicitly support or endorse (as best practices) all of the different steps and/or paths as depicted on this

current-practices process map.

Human Forensic DNA Analysis(Current Practice) May 5, 2022 Page 21 of 42

QUANTITATION (3 OF3)

GOTO4400

Kit Selection

4310

Are "stop at quant"

thresholdsvalidated

(SeeStopat Quant

Criteria)?

From

4270/4272

4320

Reagent blanks

already

quantitated?

4322

Quant reagent

blanksnow?

NO

YES

4316

Discontinue

analysis?

PAP

4312

Isthe sample below

"stop at quant"

threshold?

GOTO4400

Kit Selection

NO

YES

4314

Doesthe DNAquantity or

lysatequality require

additional evidence

sampling?(e.g. Y

screeing)

RETURNTO

3196

NO

NO

YES

GO TO4400

Kit Selection

4318

Doesthe DNAquantity

or lysate quality require

additional evidence

sampling?(e.g. Y

screeing)

RETURN TO

3196

NO

YES

GOTO

4200 DNA

Quantitation (1

OF3)

YES

NO

YES

YES

4324

Is there more

evidence to assess

per testingplan?

RETURNTO3160

4326

Isthere other

evidence to process

for DNAper testing

plan?

GOTO7000

Reporting

YES

YES

NO

NO

GOTODNA

Batch Planning3812

4308

Input:

Data Quantity:

- Total Human DNA

- Amount of Male DNA

- Autosomal to Male Ratio Data Quality:

- Level of Degradation

- Indication of Inhibitors(IPC)

- Amplification Curve

- Melt Curve

Stop at Quant Criteria

- DNAbelow validated threshold

- Zero quant value

- Case scenario

- Male to autosomal ratio

exceedsvalidated threshold

- Customer request

NO
OSACHuman ForensicBiology Subcommittee

This Process Map provides a visual description of the various steps of the casework process performed by DNA analysts and is an attempt to represent all reasonable variations in current practice. OSAC and SWGDAM do not explicitly support or endorse (as best practices) all of the different steps and/or paths as depicted on this

current-practices process map.

Human Forensic DNA Analysis(Current Practice) May 5, 2022 Page 22 of 42

4400 - KITSELECTION

4400

Input:

Tube of extracted DNA

+Case scenario

information +Sample

type +Screening test

results+Quantitation

data +Updated Batch

Plan

4402

Are multiple

amplifications

optionsavailable

PAP?

4406

Did the submitter

request specific DNA

typing tests?

4404

Autosomal -

STR

NO

GOTO4458

DNA

Amplification

4410

Is the requested

test validated ?

YES

NO

YES

GOTO4458

DNA

Amplification

FROM

4082/4302/4310/

4314/4318/4496

5284/5340/6296

4426

Select Requested Test(s)

Multi

(Y-STR/ X-STR/

Autosomal-STR)

NO

4414

Package extract and

ship to vendor PAP

4408

Were multiple tests

requested ?

4412

Will testingbe done

by avendor lab?

4440

Select Multi

(Y-STR/ X-STR/

Autosomal-STR)

Autosomal -

STR

Mitochondrial

DNA(mtDNA)

Y-STR

4436

Would patrilineal DNA

provide additional

information?

4442

Would matrilineal DNA

provide additional

information?

4446

Multi

(mtDNA/

Autosomal-STR)

NO

YES

4444

Can the lab

perform mtDNA

testing?

GOTO4458

DNA

Amplification

YES

4448

Will all testingbe

done by a vendor

lab?

4452

Package extract and

ship to vendor PAP

NO

YES

NO

4450

Package aportion of

the extract and ship

to vendor PAP

YES

Mini STR

4438

Doesthe lab have a

validated X-STR/Y-STR

kit?

GOTO4458

DNA

Amplification

4428

Isthere a kinship

question in this

case?

YES

NO

YES

NO

NO

4430

Consider the following to determine

the appropriate DNAtyping test(s):

- Knowledge, training, and

experience

- DNAtyping test preference

- Agency policy

- Quant data results

- Male to total DNAratio

- Tolal DNA

- Level of degradation

- Level of PCRinhibition

- Case infromation/informative

portion

- Reference availability

YES YES

YES

4454

Is there more

evidence to assess

per testing

plan?

GOTO

Item

Characterization

4456

Isthere other

evidence to process

for DNAper

testing

plan?

GOTO7000

Reporting

GOTODNA

Batch Planning3812

4420

Are all requested

tests validated?

4422

Will all testingbe

done by a vendor

lab?

4424

Package aportion of

the extract and ship

to vendor PAP

GOTO4458

DNA

Amplification

YES

NO

YES

NO

NO

NO

NO

GOTO4432

Select

Appropriate Test

YES

GOTO4426

Select Requested

Test

NO

4432

Select Appropriate Test(s)

Multi

(Y-STR/ X-STR/

Autosomal-STR)

Autosomal -

STR

Mitochondrial

DNA(mtDNA)

Y-STR

Mini STR

4434

Are all selected tests

validated?

GOTO4458

DNA

Amplification

Yes

NO

YES
OSACHuman ForensicBiology Subcommittee

This Process Map provides a visual description of the various steps of the casework process performed by DNA analysts and is an attempt to represent all reasonable variations in current practice. OSAC and SWGDAM do not explicitly support or endorse (as best practices) all of the different steps and/or paths as depicted on this

current-practices process map.

Human Forensic DNA Analysis(Current Practice) May 5, 2022 Page 23 of 42

4400 - AMPLIFICATION

4482

Create

Amplification

BATCHwith one

or more of the

following (PAP):

Thermalcycler Data Review

4478

Preparemastermix

based on validated

SOPs

4484

Place in

thermalcycler and

select program

based on

kit/chemistry

and push start

GOTO

4600

Separation and

Detection

4498

Output:

Amplified DNA

product

4486

Review

thermalcyler data?

4490

Were there any

observed

failures?

YES

ADD

Amp positive control to

tubewith master mix

4472

Determine sample size from

tube of extracted DNA

document/photograph, collect,

and disposition parent item

and extract (PAP)

4474

Dilute or concentrate

tube of extracted DNA

based on kit and quant

data?

4476

Too much =Dilute;

Too little =Concentrate

YES

Dilute ? Too much DNAbased on chemistry validation data Concentrate ? Not enough DNAin single sample based on the

quantitation validation Combine ? Not enough DNAin single sample based on the

amplification validation. Requiresmultiple extractsof thesame

sample.

Need to achieve required volumeANDhit DNAtemplatevalue

identified duringvalidation

4460

Will DNAextract

be consumed in

amplification?

NO

NO

4488

Review data

4494

Disposition failed

amplification

product (PAP)

Technology Assist

Amplification

- Thermalcycler

- Pipettes

- Liquid HandlingRobot

- Vortex

- Centrifuge

- LIMS

- ElectronicWorkbook

4458

Input:

Tube of extracted DNA

+Amplification kit

selection +Case

scenario information +

Sample type +

Screening test results+ Quantitation data + Updated Batch Plan

ADD

sample of presumed

DNA(extract)

to tube with PCR master mix

ADD

Reagent blanks

(negative control)

to tubewith PCR master mix

ADD

Amp negative control

to tube (onlyPCR master mix)

ADD

Extraction control to

tubewith PCRmaster mix (standard sample

such as NISTor NIST

traceable)

NO

OBSERVEDFAILURE(PAP)

- Occurrencepower failure

- Selection of improper

amplification method

- Instrument failure

ACTIONfrom FAILS(PAP)

- Repeat samplesand repeat

amplification

4492

Select appropriate

action from FAILS

4462

Will the entire

item be

consumed?

4464

Obtain permission

from customer

PAP?

4468

Permission

obtained?

YES

NO

YES YES YES

FROM 3820/4404/

4426/4434/4440/

4446/4450/5056/5058/

5094/5096/5120/5122/

5138/5196/5198/5236

5282/5334/5366/

5384/6294/6538/6566

4480

ADD

PCRmastermix to

tubes

4470

Is there more

evidence to assess

per testing

plan?

RETURNTO3160

GOTO7000

Reporting

YES

YES

NO

4496

Perform another DNA

typingtest?

RETURN TO

4400 YES

NO

NO GOTO

4460

NO

NO
OSACHuman ForensicBiology Subcommittee

This Process Map provides a visual description of the various steps of the casework process performed by DNA analysts and is an attempt to represent all reasonable variations in current practice. OSAC and SWGDAM do not explicitly support or endorse (as best practices) all of the different steps and/or paths as depicted on this

current-practices process map.

Human Forensic DNA Analysis(Current Practice) May 5, 2022 Page 24 of 42

4600 - SEPARATION and DETECTION

CEMaster Mix Components

4606

Create CEBATCH

with one or more

of the following

(PAP):

Realtime DataEvaluation AnalysisParameters*

Technology Assist

- Capillary electrophoresisInstrument

(GeneticAnalyzer)

- Liquid HandlingRobot

- Pipettes

- Centrifuge

- Heat Block / Thermalcycler

- LIMS

- ElectronicWorkbook

- Data Collection Software

4600

Input:

Amplified

DNAProduct

4612

Heat denature?

4614

Heat denature

4616

Snap cool?

4622

Put plate on

instrument

4618

Snap cool

NO

YES YES

4624

Designate the well-specific validated

instrument parametersper analyst's

discretion (PAP)

- Injection Voltage(s)

- Injection Time(s)

- Run Time(s)

- Dye-Set

4620

Import / type plate

record

4628

Evaluate realtime

data for possible

re-injection?

4630

Evaluate data in data

collection software

- List electrophoretic

issues

4632

Re-injection? YES

4634

Designate the well-specificvalidated

instrument parametersper analyst's

discretion (PAP)

- Injection Voltage(s)

- Injection Time(s)

- Run Time(s)

- Dye-Set(s)

YES

NO

- Internal lane standard (ILS)

- Formamide

4626

Pressstart and

generate data

Re-injection

4602

Prepare CEBatch Plan

Including reagent lanks,

extraction controls, and

document (PAP)

4604

Make CE

Master Mix

based on

validated

procedure

4636

Output:

Raw Data

NO

4608

Centrifuge?

4610

Centrifuge plate

NO

YES

ADD

Ladder to plate with CE master mix

ADD

Sample of amplified

DNA

to plate with CE master mix

ADD

Reagent blanks

(negative control)

to plate with CE master mix

ADD

Amp negative control

to plate with CEmaster mix

ADD

Extraction control to

platewith CEmaster mix (standard sample

such asNISTor NIST

traceable)

4638

Import data file into

analysissoftware

4640

Designate analysis

parameters (PAP)

4642

PressGOto generate

Electropherogram

(EPG)

*******************

Software Designates

Peaks

*******************

4644

Output:

Electropherogram

(EPG)

- Primer peak (Y/N)

- Size standard

- Height (Qualitative)

- Resolution (Qualitative)

- Sample peaks

- Height (Qualitative)

- Resolution (Qualitative)

- Specimen category

- Panel

- Size standard

- Instrument type

- Voltage

- Analysismethod

- Injection time

*Some of the above listed parametersmay

have been set at validation and cannot be

varied PAP

GOTO 5000

Generate and

AssessEPG

Quality (1 of 2)

FROM

4498/5030/

5060/5062/5064/

5088/5090/5116/

5118/5164/5246/

5278/5280/5292/

6292

FROM

5024/5054/

5082/5108

NO

FROM

5022/5026/

5028/5084/5086/

5110/5112/5142/

5162/5166/5192/

5194/5232
OSACHuman ForensicBiology Subcommittee

This Process Map provides a visual description of the various steps of the casework process performed by DNA analysts and is an attempt to represent all reasonable variations in current practice. OSAC and SWGDAM do not explicitly support or endorse (as best practices) all of the different steps and/or paths as depicted on this

current-practices process map.

Human Forensic DNA Analysis(Current Practice) May 5, 2022 Page 25 of 42

5000 Generate & AssessQuality of EPG(1 of 3)

5020

Use knowledge, training, experience,

preference, and/or agency policy to choose

the appropriate action:

5052

Use knowledge, training, experience,

preference, and/or agency policy to choose

the appropriate action:

5002

Manual/Automated

assessment of:

- Positive control

- Negative control

- Extraction controls

- Allelic ladders

5032

Did the minimum number

of positive controlspass

PAP?

5004

Do the minimum

number of allelic ladders

passPAP?

GOTO

Separation and

Detection - 4624

5022

Borrow ladder in

previousor

sequential run

5024

Re-inject failed

allelic ladder

5026

Re-inject subset of

samples

5028

Re-inject entire plate

of samples

GOTO

Separation and

Detection - 4624

5030

Re-prep the CEplate with entire plate (or

portion of plate) of

samples

GOTO

4600 Separation and

Detection

5054

Re-inject failed

positive control

5056

Re-amplify positive

control and subset

of samples

5058

Re-amplify positive

control and entire

plate of samples

GOTO

4458 Amplification

5060

Re-prep and analyze

subset of samples

and required

controls

5062

Re-prep and analyze

entire plate of

samplesand

required controls

GOTO

4600-Separation and

Detection

GOTO

Separation and

Detection - 4620

GOTO

Separation and

Detection - 4620

5064

Re-prep and analyze

failed positive

control

GOTO

5068- Generate and

AssessQuality of EPG

(2 of 3)

5000

Input: EPG

FROM

4644

NO

5006

Observations: Allelic

Ladder(s)

NO

5034

Observations: Positive

Control(s)

YES YES

5008

Allelic peaksnot

present

5014

Poor peak resolution

5012

No internal lane

standard

5010

Allelic peak callsnot

assigned correctly

5036

Peak expectations

not met

(size,

area,rResolution)

5042

Incomplete profile

obtained

5038

No data; Primer

peak absent

5040

No internal lane

standard

5016

Low allelic (or ILS)

peak height

5044

Incorrect profile

5066

Continue with

interpretation PAP

GOTO

5126 Generate and

AssessQuality EPG(3

of 3)

5046

Contamination

observed

5048

Spike

5050

CEcarryover

observed

5018

Spike
OSACHuman ForensicBiology Subcommittee

This Process Map provides a visual description of the various steps of the casework process performed by DNA analysts and is an attempt to represent all reasonable variations in current practice. OSAC and SWGDAM do not explicitly support or endorse (as best practices) all of the different steps and/or paths as depicted on this

current-practices process map.

Human Forensic DNA Analysis(Current Practice) May 5, 2022 Page 26 of 42

5000 - Generate & AssessQuality of EPG(2 of 3)

Use knowledge, training, experience,

preference, and/or agency policy to choose

the appropriate action:

5094

Did the minimum

number of reagent

blanks passPAP?

5068

Did the amplification

negativespassPAP?

5082

Re-inject failed

amplification

negative

5084

Re-inject subset of

samples

5086

Re-inject entire

plate of samples

GOTO

Separation and

Detection - 4624

5088

Re-prep and

analyze failed

negative control

5090

Re-prep and analyze

entire plate of

samplesand

required control(s)

GOTO

4600 Separation and

Detection

GOTO

Separation and

Detection - 4620

GO TO5126

Generate and Assess Quality of EPG(3 of 3) FROM

5032

5094

Re-amplify entire

plate of samples

and required

control(s)

5096

Re-amplify sub-set

of samplesand

required control(s)

GOTO

4458 Amplification

5108

Re-inject Failed

Reagent Blank(s)

5110

Re-inject subset of

samplesand failed

reagent blank(s)

5112

Re-inject entire

plate of samples

and failed reagent

blank(s)

GOTO

Separation and

Detection - 4624

5116

Re-prep and

analyze failed

reagent blank

5118

Re-prep and

analyze entire

plate of samples

and required

control(s)

GOTO

4600 Separation and

Detection

GOTO

Separation and

Detection - 4620

5120

Re-amplify entire

plate of samples

and required

control(s)

5122

Re-amplify

sub-set of

samplesand

required

control(s)

GOTO

4458 Amplification

5114

Re-extract impacted

samples

GOTO

4000 Extraction

(1 of 3)

YES YES

5069

Observations: Amplification

Negative(s)

NO

5095

Observations: Reagent Blank(s)

NO

5070

CEcarryover

observed

5072

Contamination

observed

5074

No internal lane

standard

5096

CEcarryover

observed

5098

Contamination

observed

5100

No internal lane

standard

5078

Spike

5080

No primer peaks

5076

Kit-specific artifact

5092

Edit peaksand

continue

5104

Spike

5106

No primer peaks

5102

Kit-specific artifact

5124

Edit Peaksand

Continue

5081

Use knowledge, training, experience,

preference, and/or agency policy to choose

the appropriate action:
OSACHuman ForensicBiology Subcommittee

This Process Map provides a visual description of the various steps of the casework process performed by DNA analysts and is an attempt to represent all reasonable variations in current practice. OSAC and SWGDAM do not explicitly support or endorse (as best practices) all of the different steps and/or paths as depicted on this

current-practices process map.

Human Forensic DNA Analysis(Current Practice) May 5, 2022 Page 27 of 42

5000 - Generate & AssessQuality of EPG(3 of 3)

5152

Observations:

Internal Lane

Standard (ILS)

YES

5128

Isthe primer

peak present?

YES

5144

Internal Lane

standardsmeet

expectations?

5146

Can thisbe

corrected within the

software?

5148

Go to size editor and

fix

YES

5168

Do sample peaks meet

expectations?

5150

Did size editor fix

the ILSissue?

5202

Output

EPGthat meets

quality control

requirements

GOTO

5210

Interpretabilty

5170

Accept and

continue?

FROM

5066/5094/7004

YES

NO

NO

5126

Evaluate

Electropherogram

(EPG)

Primer Peak

Internal Lane

Standard

YES

YES

5138

Re-amplify sample

GOTO4458

Amplification

5140

Re-extract

5142

Re-inject sample

RETURN TO

3160

GOTO

Separation and

Detection -

4624

5130

Observations:

Primer Peaks

5132

Primer Peak Not

Present

5134

Primer Peak Shifted

5200

Collect new sample

5164

Re-plate samples

5162

Re-inject samples

from existingplate

5166

Change start

point of analysis method in the

data analysis

software

5196

Re-amplify sample

5198

Re-extract

5192

Re-inject samples

(same plate)

5194

Re-plate

5172

Observations:

Sample Peaks

5178

Peakstoo broad

5180

Excessive artifactual

noise

5174

Peakscalled

incorrectly

5176

PeaksAbsent

5158

Peakstoo broad

5154

Peakscalled

incorrectly

5156

PeaksAbsent

GOTO

Separation and

Detection - 4624

GOTO

4600 Separation

and Detection

GOTO

Separation and

Detection - 4624

GOTO

4458

Amplification

GOTO

4458

Amplification

NO

NO

NO NO

5190

Use knowledge, training,

experience, preference, and/or

agency policy to choose the

appropriate action:

5160

Use knowledge, training,

experience, preference, and/or

agencypolicy to choose the

appropriate action:

5136

Use knowledge, training,

experience, preference, and/or

agency policy to choose the

appropriate action:

GOTO

Separation and

Detection - 4624

GOTO

Separation and

Detection - 4624

RETURN TO3160

Contamination Issues:

- Evidence of mismatch based

on case information

- Swabs switched

- Gender does not match

- Number of peaksdoes not

align

- Plating issue

- Anlayst (or another person

such asofficer) DNApresent

as aresult of QCdatabase

search

5182

Contamination (See Contamination

Issues)

5184

Number of peaks

inconsistent with

sample type

5186

RFU values

inconsistent with

quantitation value

5188

CECarryover
OSACHuman ForensicBiology Subcommittee

This Process Map provides a visual description of the various steps of the casework process performed by DNA analysts and is an attempt to represent all reasonable variations in current practice. OSAC and SWGDAM do not explicitly support or endorse (as best practices) all of the different steps and/or paths as depicted on this

current-practices process map.

Human Forensic DNA Analysis(Current Practice) May 5, 2022 Page 28 of 42

5000 - Assessing Interpretability (Suitability) (1 of 5): Data Reliability and Allele Designation

Available Data/ Metrics/ Information

Off Scale

Data Too Low

Return to Overview

5210

Input:

Electropherogram

(EPG) that meetsquality equirementsAND

available data/metrics/information (see box below)

DataELECTROPHEROGRAM (EPG)

- Peak height (Rfu)

- Peak count (#)

- Peak morphology (physical shape)

- Molecular weight of the peak (BP)

- Allele size (# of repeats)

- Relative peak heights(ratio of Rfu)

- Allelesto alleleswithin loci (PHR)

- Allele to allele between loci

- Potential stutter to allele within loci (stutter ratio)

- Other peak imbalances

QUANTDATA

- Cycle Threshold of the Internal Positive Control (#)

- Degradation Index

- Yield (nanogram / picogram)

- Male to total

- Curves

VALIDATION DATAand AGENCYPOLICY

- Stutter ratios, filters, and tables

- Defined stutter positionsper Locus(+, -, forward, reverse, etc.)

- Threshold

- Stochastic

- Analytical

- Heterozygote peak height ratio

- Mixture proportion / Donor ratio

- Sex determination

- Maximum number of contributorsper DNAmixture

- Minimum information rules

- Percentage of loci

- Minimum number of allelesand/or genotypesper profile

EVIDENCE/ PROCESS/ OTHERINFOMRATION

- Sample size

- Sample type (to include substrate)

- Case scenario/Information

- Extraction method

- Serology results

- Color of extract

- Published data

5214

Select Injection(s)

to interpret based

on PAP

5216

Are peakspresent to be

evaluated?

5226

Off-scale data

concerns?

5218

Can I attempt to

improvethe data?

5228

Select appropriate

action from off-scale

Possible Resolutions

- Repeat adenylation soak and re-inject with sameor new

parameters

- Repeat adenylation soak, dilute, and re-inject with same

or new parameters

- Re-inject with new parameters

- Dilute PCRproduct and re-inject with same parameters

- Re-amp extract

- Dilute extract and re-amp

-

Possible Resolutions

- Combine extractsand re-quant

- Combine extractsre-amp

- Re-inject with new parameters

- Re-extract with larger cutting

- Combine +concentrate extracts& re-amp

- Concentrate extracts& re-amp

- Re-extract with different chemistry

- PCRclean-up and re-inject with same parameters

- Re-amp with new kit

- PCRclean-up and re-inject with different parameters

- Re-purify & re-amp

5212

Are there multiple

injectionsof the

same sample?

YES

YES

NO

YES

5220

Do I have additional

injection timesto

evalaute?

NO

NO

YES

GOTO

5250 Assessing

Interpretability

(2 of 5)

NO

NO

YES

FROM

5202/5300/6290

6534/6562

5222

Is there more

evidence to assess

per testing

plan?

RETURN TO3160

5224

Isthere other

evidence to process

for DNAper testing

plan?

GOTO7000

Reporting

YES

YES

NO

NO

5230

Data Improvement Strategies

Use knowledge, training, experience,

preference, and/or agency policy to choose

the appropriate action:

5234

PCRCleanup

5244

Re-extract

5236

Re-amp

5232

Re-inject

5238

Re-quant

5240

Concentrate extract

GOTODNA

BatchPlanning3812

GOTO

Extraction (3 of

3) - 4058

GOTO

4458

Amplification

GOTO

Separation and

Detection - 4624

RETURN TO3160

GOTO

4600 Separation

and Detection

GOTO

4200

Quntification (1

of 3)

5246

PCRcleanup
OSACHuman ForensicBiology Subcommittee

This Process Map provides a visual description of the various steps of the casework process performed by DNA analysts and is an attempt to represent all reasonable variations in current practice. OSAC and SWGDAM do not explicitly support or endorse (as best practices) all of the different steps and/or paths as depicted on this

current-practices process map.

Human Forensic DNA Analysis(Current Practice) May 5, 2022 Page 29 of 42

5000 - Assessing Interpretability (Suitability) (2 of 5):

Data Reliability and Allele Designation

Return to Overview

GOTO 5210

Interpretability

(1 of 5)

5254

Output: All peaks

are appropriately

labeled

5300

Do I have additional

injection timesto

evalaute

5250

Evaluate

genotyping

software-generated

information including

peak designationsfor

artifacts, stutter, alleles,

and unresolved peaks

5290

Document

rationale for edits

5298

Is there sufficient # of

Loci and Allelesfor

evaluation PAP?

FROM 5226

5294

Have I identified

any unsuitable loci

PAP?

5296

Document and

exclude loci from

further

interpretation.

5302

Is there more

evidence to assess

per testing

plan?

RETURN TO

3160

GOTO7000

Reporting

YES

YES

NO

YES

GOTO

5310

Interpretability

(3 of 5)

NO

NO

YES

Expectations

Quality and Quantity

Inputs for Expectations

- Case scenario

- Sample type

- Data gathered

- Amplification

- Quantitation

- Screening test results

5288

Relabel and/or delete

system designationsfor

artifacts, stutter, alleles,

and unresolved peaksPAP

5252

Are there observed

issuesto address?

Evaluation

LocusSuitability

Evaluation Criteria/ Resources

- Peak morphology

- Locusdropout

- Off ladder peaks

Unresolved/ Indistinguishable

Peak Determination

Evaluation Criteria/ Resources

- Peak morphology

- Peak label

Stutter Assessment

Peaksin Stutter Positions

Evaluation Criteria/ Resources

- Use validation data to determine if they are stutter, allelic, or

both.

- Review peaksbelow thresholdsthat could be minor alleles

- Peak height

- Allele length and complexity

- Repeat sequence

- Relative peak heights(Ratio of Rfu) to determine stutter ratio

- Expectationsof stutter (based on training, experience, and

validation)

- Reviewing peaksin stutter positionsthat are above established

thresholdsto determine if they are stutter, allelic, or both.

- Evaluating additive stutter

Stutter Types

- Forward

- Reverse or back

- Double reverse or back

- Other lessfrequently observed variations(e.g. half-back

NO

YES

5256

Observations

5262

Missing peaks

5264

Irregular peak height

ratio

5258

Irregular peak morphology

5260

Incorrect peak

location

5268

Irregular peak height

5270

Mislabeled peak

5286

Edit system

designations

5280

Re-inject samples

(newly prepared

plate)

5282

Re-amplify samples

at a different

template level

5274

Return to

thermocycler for

additional

incubation (-A)

5278

Re-inject samples

(same plate)

5272

Use knowledge, training,

experience, preference, and/or

agency policy to choose the

appropriate action:

5284

Re-amplify samples with a different kit

Artifact Assessment

Evaluation Criteria/ Resources

- Peak morphology

- Location on X-axis

- Peaksin other dye channels

- Peaksin same dye channel

- Frequency of observed artifacts

public datasets(star base), manufacturer

technical notes

Artifact Types

- Stutter (e.g. -1 repeat, +1 repeat)

- Shoulder (e.g. -A)

- Dye blobs

- Spike

- Pull up

- Pull down (Raised baseline)

- Non-human peaks

- Non specific amplification peak

GOTO

4458

Amplification

GOTO4400

Kit Selection

GOTO

4600

Separation and

Detection

NO

GOTO

4600

Separation and

Detection

5292

Adenylation Soak

GOTO4600

Separation and

Detection
OSACHuman ForensicBiology Subcommittee

This Process Map provides a visual description of the various steps of the casework process performed by DNA analysts and is an attempt to represent all reasonable variations in current practice. OSAC and SWGDAM do not explicitly support or endorse (as best practices) all of the different steps and/or paths as depicted on this

current-practices process map.

Human Forensic DNA Analysis(Current Practice) May 5, 2022 Page 30 of 42

5000 - Assessing Interpretability (Suitability) (3 of 5): Level of Degradation

Signsof Degradation

FROM

5298

5310

Input:

Electropherogram

(EPG) +the allele

designations

- Relative peak heights(ski slope effect)

- Information that you know about sample type

- Degradation index

- Cycle threshold in IPC

- Extraction method

- Amount of DNAamplified

- Sample type +substrate

- Sample size (mm, cm, g)

- Olfactory evaluation (e.g. decomposing

evidence)

5326

Re-amplify with

same kit?

5316

Are there signsof

degradation?

5324

Re-sample and

extract?

5328

Re-amplify with

a different kit?

5332

Concentrate?

5334

Combine?

5330

New Sample? RETURNTO3160

5338

Concentrate?

5340

Combine?

GOTO

4234 Quant (2

of 3)

GOTO4400

Kit Selection

YES

NO

NO

NO

YES

YES

YES

NO

YES

NO

YES

YES

NO

5318

Should I attempt to

improvethe data?

YES

5320

Will I use data as

is?

GOTO5350

Interpretability

(4 of 5)

NO

YES

5332

Is there more

evidence to assess

per testingplan?

RETURNTO3160

GOTO7000

Reporting

NO

NO

YES

5322

Is there more

evidence to assess

per testing plan?

RETURNTO

3160

NO

YES

GOTO5350

Interpretability

(4 of 5)

GOTO

4458

Amplification

GOTO

4234 Quant (2

of 3)

5336

Changetarget

concentration

GOTO

4234 Quant (2

of 3)

5314

Output: Understanding of

how degradation

hasaffected data

NO

NO

YES

YES

5312

Assesslevel

of

degradation

RETURNTO3160

5325

Isthere other

evidence to process

for DNAper testing

plan?

GOTO7000

Reporting

YES

NO

GOTODNA

Batch Planning3812

NO
OSACHuman ForensicBiology Subcommittee

This Process Map provides a visual description of the various steps of the casework process performed by DNA analysts and is an attempt to represent all reasonable variations in current practice. OSAC and SWGDAM do not explicitly support or endorse (as best practices) all of the different steps and/or paths as depicted on this

current-practices process map.

Human Forensic DNA Analysis(Current Practice) May 5, 2022 Page 31 of 42

5000- Assessing Interpretability (Suitability) (4 of 5): Level of Inhibition

FROM

5316/5320

5350

Input:

Electropherogram

(EPG) +the allele designations

5356

Is there inhibition

that will impact

interpretability?

YES

5358

Will I attempt to

improvethe

data?

5360

Will I use data

as-is?

GOTO5390

Interpretability

(5 of 5)

YES

NO

YES

5362

Is there more

evidence to assess

per testing

plan?

RETURNTO

3160

GOTO7000

Reporting

NO

NO

YES

GOTO5390

Interpretability

(5 of 5)

5354

Output:

Understanding of how

inhibition hasaffected

data.

NO

5352

Assesslevel

of inhibition

Indicators/Sourcesof Inhibition

Sources

- Heme

- Humic acid

- Indigo

- Phenol

- Metal salts(e.g. ca, mg)

- Tannic acid

- Melanin

- Magnetic latent print techniques

Indicators

- Locusdrop out, especially when not based on DNAlength

- qPCRdata (e.g.Cycle threshold in IPC)

- Information that you know about sample type

+substrate

- Extraction method

- Olfactory evaluation

- Color of extract

- Amount of DNAamplified

- Sample size (mm, cm, g)

GOTO

4052

Extraction

(3 of 3)

5370

Purify and

re-quant

5368

Dilute and

re-quant

5366

Dilute and

re-amp

5372

Purify and

re-amp

5380

Re-sampleand

extract

GOTO

4234 Quant (2

of 3)

GOTO

4052

Extraction

(3 of 3)

GOTO

4458-

Amplification

RETURN TO3160

5364

Use knowledge, training, experience, preference,

and/or agency policy to choose the appropriate

action:
OSACHuman ForensicBiology Subcommittee

This Process Map provides a visual description of the various steps of the casework process performed by DNA analysts and is an attempt to represent all reasonable variations in current practice. OSAC and SWGDAM do not explicitly support or endorse (as best practices) all of the different steps and/or paths as depicted on this

current-practices process map.

Human Forensic DNA Analysis(Current Practice) May 5, 2022 Page 32 of 42

Assessing Interpretability (Suitability) (5 of 5): Sex of Contributors

Sex Determination

5392

DetermineSex of

ContributorsEvaluate the

following:

Return to Overview

Considerations

- The presence or absence of peaksat the sexmarkers(kit

specific)

- Amel

- Y-indel

- Y-STRs

- Peak height ratio of Amel will indicate number and sex

of contributors

- Male to total DNAratio from quant data

- Consider degradation or inhibition asan explication for missing sex markers

- Consider degradation or inhibition for explanation of

unexpected results

- Expectationsset based on sample type, case

information, and SOP

- Consider number of contributorsand

expected/assumed contributors

- Determine if any imbalance isrelated to the amount of

DNA, mutations, or mixture.

Conclusions

- Male DNA

- Male DNAthat limitsability to determine if female is

present

- Male/Female DNAmixture

- Female DNA

- No Conclusion

Ypeak present at

amelogenin?

5390

Input: EPGwith allele designations&

confidence that degradation and

Inhibition will not impede

interpretation

5394

Output: Conclusion of

sex

determination

GOTO

6000 Number

of Contributors

Xpeak significantly

larger than Ypeak?

Peak present at Y

indel?

Peak present at

Y-STRs?

Xpeak present at

amelogenin?

FROM

5356/5360
OSACHuman ForensicBiology Subcommittee

This Process Map provides a visual description of the various steps of the casework process performed by DNA analysts and is an attempt to represent all reasonable variations in current practice. OSAC and SWGDAM do not explicitly support or endorse (as best practices) all of the different steps and/or paths as depicted on this

current-practices process map.

Human Forensic DNA Analysis(Current Practice) May 5, 2022 Page 33 of 42

6000 - Number of Contributors

NUMBERof CONTRIBUTORS(NOC)

Single Source Indicators

Methods for DeterminingNOC

- Peak height (Rfu)

- Peak count (#)

- Peak morphology (physical shape)

- Molecular weight of the peak (BP)

- Allele size (# of repeats)

- Relative peak height (Ratio of Rfu)

- Allelesto alleleswithin loci

- Allele to allele between loci

- Potential stutter to allele within loci (Stutter Ratio)

- Understanding of loci variation

- Level of data (peak height in relation to laboratory

validated stochastic threshold)

- High or low

- Data reliability

- Peak height (Rfu) ? helpsyou determine if you have more contributorsthat should be considered

- Allele sharing

- Peak count (#) ? minimum # of contributors

- Stutter

- Case information will help set up expectations

- Isthisa commonly touched item

- Relatives

- Sexual assault

- # of reported assailants

- # of consensual partners

- relatives

- Expected/Assumed contributor profiles(quick

comparison to see if thishelpsdetermine # of

contributors

- Consider carryover asan explanation for what you see

- Assumed # of contributors(Prob Gen)

- Minimum # of contributors(CPI/CPE)

- Look at peaksbelow detection level to determine if

there are indication of additional contributors

Administrative Information

- Sample type

- Case type

- Potential Relativesin the mixture

6004

Isthisa single

Source?

6018

Is the assumed

NOCwithin agency

policy?

6006

Use agency policy to

determine number

of contributors

6012

Isthere the

possibility of more

contributors(e.g.,

based on peak

height ratio)?

NO

YES

YES

6008

Output

Assumed NOC

- Alleles

- Genotype(s) of Possible Contributor

6014

Set the number of

assumed

contributorsPAP

6022

Do you use

non-binary method?

6024

Do I do a manual

comparison prior to

entry into

software

YES

6020

Is there more

evidence to assess

per testing

plan?

RETURNTO

3160

GOTO7000

Reporting

YES

6002

Input: EPGwith peak calls

GOTO6200- Comparison ?

Binary (1 of 2)

6010

Compare using

binary

approach?

NO

GOTO6100

DeonvolutionBinary

NO

GOTO

6500 Deconvolution/

Comparison/

Statistics - Nonbinary

(1 of 2)

GOTO6100

DeonvolutionBinary

Return to Overview

YES YES

- No loci with an (unexplainable) number of peaksgreater

than 2

- Peak RFUsconsistent within loci

- Peak RFUsconsistent between loci

- Total number of peaksdivided by 2

- Accounting for/Subtracting out assumed contributor

- Use information from both fractionsof a differentially

extracted sample

- Peak height ratios

- Peak heights

- Use a software tool to assist (e.g., PACEand NOCIt)

NO

NO

YES

NO

NO

FROM

5394/

6288/6532/

6550/6560

6016

Output

Assumed NOC

- Alleles

- Genotype of

Possible Contributors

GOTO

6500 Deconvolution/

Comparison/

Statistics- Nonbinary

(1 of 2)
OSACHuman ForensicBiology Subcommittee

This Process Map provides a visual description of the various steps of the casework process performed by DNA analysts and is an attempt to represent all reasonable variations in current practice. OSAC and SWGDAM do not explicitly support or endorse (as best practices) all of the different steps and/or paths as depicted on this

current-practices process map.

Human Forensic DNA Analysis(Current Practice) May 5, 2022 Page 34 of 42

6100 - Deconvolution - Binary

ReportingOptions

Available Data/Metrics/Information Possible Resultsof Deconvolution

6108

Use peak height (rfu)

to determine the

relative ratio or %of

the contributorsto set

thresholdsfor

acceptance of

genotypes

6102

Input:

- Electropherogram (s)

- Allele designations

- Presence of male/female DNA

- Assigned NOC

- Assumed contributorsgenotypes

- Level of inhibition/degradation and an

understanding of how these issuesaffect data

- Case info

6132

Output:

- List of genotypesof

the possible

contributor(s) at

loci suitable for

comparison

- Loci appropriate

for Stats

Possible Conclusions

- Inconclusive

- No conclusions can be drawn

- Insufficient for comparison

- Not suitable for comparison

Possible Reasons

- Too complex

- Limited data

- Poor quality data

- Low template

- Too many contributors

- Potential contamination

GOTO

6400

StatisticsBinary

6110 Considerations

6116

Could a composite profile

be determined using multiple EPGs?

YES

6114

Can I assumea

contributor'sDNAis

present PAP?

YES

6106

Can the major/ minor be visually

differentiated?

6112

Do I have enough

separation per agency

policy?

6126

Determine the relative ratio of the contributorsand to set

thresholdsfor acceptanceof genotypeswith the following

information:

- HeterozygotePeak Height Ratio ? use thisinformation

to see if 2 peaks can pair together to determine possible

genotypes

- Stochastic threshold ? to determine the reliability of the

genotypes

- Use inhibition and degradation data to set limitations

for other locations

- Sample type info to set expectationsof variation that might be seen.

- Apply assumptionsto aid in deconvolution

- Peaksbelow analytical threshold

6128

Subtract allele designationsof assumed

contributor from possible allele for foreign

profile based on determined NOC

6130

Select suitable allele designationsPAP

6118

Isthe unresolved mixture

profile suitablefor

comparison?

6120

Isthere more evidenceto

examine per testing

plan?

RETURN TO

3160

GOTO7000

Reporting

YES

NO

- Major/undetermined minor

- Resolved major/resolved minor

- Multiple major profiles/mixed major

- Foreign profile with assumed contributor

- Undetermined allele designations(Irresolvable)

- Significant contributor

6134

Am I going to do a

statistical Analysis

before comparison?

6124

Determine which loci will are appropriate to

use for comparison

and/or statistics

GOTO6200

Comparison ?

Binary (1 of 2)

NO

6122

Select suitable allele

designationsPAP

YES

6104

Isthisa single

source profile? YES

NO

YES

ELECTROPHEROGRAM (EPG)

- Peak Height (Rfu)

- Peak Count (#)

- Peak Morphology (Physical Shape)

- Molecular weight of the Peak (BP)

- Allele Size (# of Repeats)

- Peaksbelow analytical threshold

- Relative Peak Heights(Ratio of Rfu)

- Allelesto Alleleswithin Loci

- Allele to Allele between Loci

- Potential Stutter to allele within Loci (Stutter Ratio)

QUANTDATA

- Cycle Threshold of the Internal Positive Control (#)

- Degradation Index

- Yield (nanogram / picogram)

- Male to total

VALIDATION/PAP

- Stutter Ratio +Filter

- Defined stutter positionsper Locus(+, -, forward,

reverse, etc.)

- Threshold

- Stochastic

- Analytical

- Heterozygote peak height ratio

- Mixture Proportion / Donor Ratio

- Sex Determination Rules

- Maximum Number of Contributorsper profile

- Minimum Information Rules

- Percentage of Loci

- Minimum Number of Allelesand/or Genotypesper

profile

- Validation Data

- Stutter Table

EVIDENCE/ PROCESS/ OTHERINFOMRATION

- Sample Size

- Sample Type (to include substrate)

- Case Scenario/Information

- Extraction Method

- Serology Results

- Color of Extract

- Published Data

Technology Assist

Expert System/GenotypingSoftware

- GMIDX

- Genemarker

Semi-continuousProbGen

- ArmedXpert

- LRMix

- LabRetriever

- Homebuilt calculator

YES

YES

FROM

6022/6024/7008

NO

NO
OSACHuman ForensicBiology Subcommittee

This Process Map provides a visual description of the various steps of the casework process performed by DNA analysts and is an attempt to represent all reasonable variations in current practice. OSAC and SWGDAM do not explicitly support or endorse (as best practices) all of the different steps and/or paths as depicted on this

current-practices process map.

Human Forensic DNA Analysis(Current Practice) May 5, 2022 Page 35 of 42

6200 - Comparison ? Binary (1 of 2)

Discordance Types

ReportingOptions

6202

Input:

- List of

genotypesof

the possible

contributor(s)

at loci suitable

for

comparison

- Loci

appropriate

for Stats

6208

Isthisevidence

profile single

source or resolved

single source?

Explainable

- Peak resolutionsIssue

- Triallele

- Primer binding mutation

- Allele drop out

- Known inconsistent allele designations

- Sequence specific migration issues

- Incorrect Mixture interpretation resolution

- Unresolved allele

- Other genetic anomalies- unexplainable

- Multiple loci that are different

6210

Is thisakinship

comparison?

6214

Isthe

relationship a

Parent/

Offspring?

6212

Establish the

assumed

relationship

between known and

unknownsbased on

case info

6232

Calculate aLRbased

on parent

relationship

6230

Are there

differencesthat

support exclusion

PAP?

6216

Set propositions

based on assumed

relationship

6228

Visual comparison

6218

Calculate aLRbased

on assumed

relationship

6220

Evaluatethe LRfor

support of the

stated relationship

NO

YES

NO

6204

Do I have reference

profile(s) to

compare?

6222

Output: Results(DNA

profile), opinion,

and conclusion

(stat)

Possible Conclusions

- Match

- Cannot be excluded

- Consistent with

- Exclusion

- Inconclusive

- No conclusionscan be drawn

- Significant contributor

6206

Isthere more

evidence to examine

per testing

plan?

RETURN TO

3160

GOTO7000

Reporting

NO

NO

YES

YES YES

Return to Overview

YES

GOTO

6250

Comparison ?

Binary (2 of 2)

GOTO

6250

Comparison ?

Binary (2 of 2)

NO

NO

6224

Doesthe statistic

support the

proposed

relationship?

GOTO7000

Reporting

6226

Is there more

evidence to examine

per testing plan?

RETURN TO

3160

GOTO7000

Reporting

NO

YES

YES

NO

Technology Assist

Expert System/GenotypingSoftware

- GMIDX

- Genemarker

Semi-continuousProb Gen

- ArmedXpert

- LRMix

- LabRetriever

- Home built calculator

FROM 6010/6134

6236

Is there more

evidence to examine

per testing

plan?

RETURNTO

3160

GOTO7000

Reporting

NO

YES

6234

Output: Results (DNA

profile), opinion,

and conclusion

(stat)

YES
OSACHuman ForensicBiology Subcommittee

This Process Map provides a visual description of the various steps of the casework process performed by DNA analysts and is an attempt to represent all reasonable variations in current practice. OSAC and SWGDAM do not explicitly support or endorse (as best practices) all of the different steps and/or paths as depicted on this

current-practices process map.

Human Forensic DNA Analysis(Current Practice) May 5, 2022 Page 36 of 42

6200 - Comparison ? Binary (2 of 2)

Discordance Types

Conclusion Options

Possible Reasons for

Inconclusive

Reasonsnot to calculate a

statistic

6258

Is the discordance

explainable?

6250

Conduct side by side

comparison of

reference and

evidence to

determine if the

reference genotype

isincluded

in/consistent with

the evidence

genotypes

6256

Review data to

investigate

discordance

Explainable

- Peak resolutionsIssue

- Triallele

- Primer binding mutation

- Allele drop out

- Known inconsistent allele designations

- Sequence specific migration issues

- Incorrect mixture interpretation

resolution

- Unresolved allele

- Other genetic anomalies

Unexplainable

- Multiple loci that are different

6254

Isthere

sufficient

support for an

exclusion?

PAP

6252

Doesthe data

support

inclusion?

6272

Select Appropriate

Inclusionary

Reporting option

PAP

6282

Do I need to

calculate

stats?

Possible Inclusionary Conclusions

- Match

- Cannot be excluded

- Consistent with

Possible Exclusionary Conclusions

- Excluded

Possible Inconclusive Conclusions

- Inconclusive

- No conclusionscan be drawn

GOTO

6400-

StatisticsBinary

Return to Overview

FROM

6208/6210

6274

Select Appropriate

Exclusionary

Reporting option

PAP

YES

NO

6276

Select Appropriate

Inclusionary

Conclusion option

PAP

6278

Select Appropriate

Exclusionary

Conclusion option

PAP

NO

YES

YES

6260

Is the degree of

discordance sufficient

to exclude?PAP

6264

Select Appropriate

Inconclusive

Conclusion option

PAP

NO

YES

6284

Is there more

evidence to examine

per testing

plan?

RETURNTO

3160

GOTO7000

Reporting

NO

- Too complex

- Limited data

- Poor quality data

- Low template

- Too many contributors

- Potential contamination

6262

Could rework address

the discordance(s)?

NO

YES

NO Possible Inclusionary Conclusions

- Nonprobative information

- PAP

- Case information

NO

6270

Is thisa preliminary

comparison for

non-binary?

YES

NO

GOTO

6500 Deconvolution/

Comparison/

Statistics- Nonbinary

(1 of 2)

YES

Technology Assist

Expert System/GenotypingSoftware

- GMIDX

- Genemarker

Semi-continuousProbGen

- ArmedXpert

- LRMix

- LabRetriever

- Homebuilt calculator

6280

Output: Results (DNA

profile),

opinion, and

conclusion

6266

Output: Results (DNA

profile),

opinion, and

conclusion

GOTO6002

Number of

Contributors

GOTO5210

Assessing

Interpretability

(1 of 5)

GOTO4458

Amplification

GOTO4400

Kit Selection

RETURNTO

3160

GOTO4000

Extraction (1

of 3)

GOTOItem

Characterization

-3145

GOTO4600

Separation

and

Detection

6288

Re-evaluate genotypes

of possible

contributors

6292

Re-run longer or

shorter injection time

for separation and

detection

6294

Re-Amplify sample with same kit

6296

Re-Amplify sample

with different kit

6298

Re-SampleItem

6290

Re-evaluate suitability

for comparison

decision

6300

Combine extractsand

re-process

6302

Obtain new samples

from submitting

agency

6286

Use knowledge, training, experience,

preference, and/or agency policy to choose the

appropriate action for possible rework:

YES
OSACHuman ForensicBiology Subcommittee

This Process Map provides a visual description of the various steps of the casework process performed by DNA analysts and is an attempt to represent all reasonable variations in current practice. OSAC and SWGDAM do not explicitly support or endorse (as best practices) all of the different steps and/or paths as depicted on this

current-practices process map.

Human Forensic DNA Analysis(Current Practice) May 5, 2022 Page 37 of 42

6400 - Statistics- Binary

Statistical Method Options Statistical Method Inputs

Return to Overview

Technology Assist

Expert System/GenotypingSoftware

- GMIDX

- Genemarker

-

Semi-continuousProb Gen

- ArmedXpert

- LRMix

- LabRetriever

- Home built calculator

Statistical Software

- Home built calculator

- POPStats

6404

Select the statistical

approach per PAP

6406

Select calculation method/tool

6410

Evaluate results

6412

Doesthe statisticmeet

expectationsbased on the

quality and quantity of data?

6408

Enter Required

information

6402

Input:

- List of genotypes

of the possible

contributor(s) at

loci suitable for

comparison

- Loci appropriate

for Stats

- Inclusionary

statement

6414

IdentifyErrors

- Diagnostics

- Data Entry

6416

Make required

corrections

GOTO7000

Reporting

NO

YES

Combined Probability of Inclusion (CPI)/

Combined Probability of Exclusion (CPE)

- Sample type: Mixtures

- Information provided: The combined

probability that a randomly selected

unrelated individual isnot excluded or is

included from being a source of DNA

evidence Random Match Probability (RMP)

- Sample type: Single source or resolved

single source

- Information provided: The probability of

observingthe evidence profile at random

among unrelated individualsin population Modified Random Match Probability (mRMP)

- Sample type: Mixtures

- Information provided: The probability of

observingthe evidence profile at random

among unrelated individualsin population)

Likelihood Ratio (LR)

- Sample type: Mixtures, single source,

resolved single source

- Information provided: The ratio of

probability of the evidence given two

competing hypotheses)

Yfrequency estimate

- Sample type: Single source or resolved

single source, mixtures

- Information provided: Frequency estimate

in the population

Ymatch probability

- Sample type: Single source or resolved

single source, mixtures

- Information provided: The probability that

that Yhaplotype would be observed in the

population given that hasbeen observed

previously

Combined Probability of Inclusion (CPI)/

Combined Probability of Exclusion (CPE)

- Allele calls

- Frequenciesfrom database PAP

Random Match Probability (RMP)

- Allele calls

- Frequenciesfrom database PAP

Modified Random Match Probability (mRMP)

- Allele calls

- Frequenciesfrom database PAP

Likelihood Ratio (LR)

- Allele calls

- Frequenciesfrom database PAP

- Propositions

Yfrequency estimate

- Allele calls

- Frequenciesfrom haplotype databasePAP

Ymatch probability

- Sample type: Single source or resolved

Allele calls

- Frequenciesfrom haplotype databasePAP

6418

Output: Quantitative

evaluation of

inclusionary

statements

FROM

6134 /6282
OSACHuman ForensicBiology Subcommittee

This Process Map provides a visual description of the various steps of the casework process performed by DNA analysts and is an attempt to represent all reasonable variations in current practice. OSAC and SWGDAM do not explicitly support or endorse (as best practices) all of the different steps and/or paths as depicted on this

current-practices process map.

Human Forensic DNA Analysis(Current Practice) May 5, 2022 Page 38 of 42

6500 - Deconvolution/ Comparison/Statistics - Non-Binary (1 of 2)

Available Data/Metrics/Information

Parameters

Basisfor Setting the

Proposition(s)

DataImport

6506

Doesthe software

analyze raw data

files?

6508

Prepare data for

import to software

by removal of

artifactsand stutter

PAP

6516

Start software

analysis

ELECTROPHEROGRAM (EPG)

- Peak height (Rfu)

- Peak count (#)

- Peak morphology (Physical Shape)

- Molecular weight of thePeak (BP)

- Allele size (# of Repeats)

- Relative peak heights (Ratio of Rfu)

- Allelesto allele within a locus

- Allele to allele between loci

- Potential stutter to allele within loci (Stutter Ratio)

QUANTDATA

- Cycle threshold of the internal positive control (#)

- Degradation Index

- Yield (nanogram / picogram)

- Male to total

VALIDATION/PAP

- Stutter ratio + filter

- Defined stutter positions per locus (+,-, forward,

reverse, etc.)

- THRESHOLD

- Stochastic

- Analytical

- Heterozygote peak height ratio

- Mixture proportion / Donor ratio

- Sex determination rules

- Maximum number of contributorsper profile

- Minimum information rules

- Percentage of loci

- Minimum number of allelesand/or genotypesper

profile

- Validation data

- Stutter table

EVIDENCE/ PROCESS/ OTHERINFOMRATION

- Sample size

- Sample type (to include substrate)

- Case scenario/Information

- Discussion of imbalances

- Extraction method

- Serology results

- Color of extract

- Published data

NO

YES

6512

Input data asrequired by thePG

software to include:

- Data file(s) for unknown

sample

- Data file for reference

profile(s) for conditioning

and/or comparison

- Conditioningon an

individual

- Population Frequency

Database

- Case Information

- Customer driven

- Investigative driven

- Administratively chosen

- Management driven

- Perceived probative value

(based on analyst'sopinion)

- Processbased

- Crime type

6514

Set Proposition to include:

- Null and Alternative Hypothesis(Prosecution

and DefenseHypotheses)

Prob Gen (Continous)

- Allele (STRmix)

- Height (STRmix)

- Base pair size (STRmix)

- Raw data file (TrueAllele)

Semi-Continuous

- Allele

- Height

6510

Set ParametersPAP

6502

Input:

- Electropherogram (s)

- Allele designations

- Assigned NOC

- Assumed

contributors

genotypes

- Level of

inhibition/degradation

and an understanding

of how these issues

affect data

- Case info

- Number of Contributors

(NOC)

- # Burn-in accepts

- # MCMCaccepts

- Drop in settings

- Degradation settings

- Variance settings

- Threshold(s)

- MCMCsettings

- Loci to be ignored due to

tri-alleles, unresolved peaks,

or artifacts

- Use of replicates

Return to Overview

GOTO6520

Deconvolution/

Comparison/

Statistics? NonBinary (2 of2)

6504

Use thisinformation to evaluate the

relative ratio of the contributorsand to set

expectationsfor acceptance of genotypes

- Peak height ? use to determine ratio

- Heterozygote Peak Height Ratio ? use

thisinformation to see if 2 peakscan

pair together to determine possible

genotypes

- Stochastic threshold ? to determine

the reliability of the genotypes

- Use inhibition and degradation data

to set limitationsfor other locations

- Sample type info to set expectations

of variation that might be seen.

- Use an assumed contributor to aid in

deconvolution PAP

- Ismy ratio between major minor

large enough for deconvolution

Technology Assist

Expert System

- GMIDX

- Genemarker

ProbabilisticGenotyping

- Fully continuousProb Gen

- STRmix

- TrueAllele

- DNA-View

- GenoProof Mixture

- Semi-continuousProb Gen

- ArmedXpert

- LRMix

- LabRetriever

- Home built calculator

FROM

6010/6024/6270/

6536/6564/

6582/6584/

7008

FROM

6540/6542/6544/6546/

6568/6570/6572/6574

FROM

6548/6576
OSACHuman ForensicBiology Subcommittee

This Process Map provides a visual description of the various steps of the casework process performed by DNA analysts and is an attempt to represent all reasonable variations in current practice. OSAC and SWGDAM do not explicitly support or endorse (as best practices) all of the different steps and/or paths as depicted on this

current-practices process map.

Human Forensic DNA Analysis(Current Practice) May 5, 2022 Page 39 of 42

6500 - Deconvolution/ Comparison/Statistics - Non-Binary (2 of 2)

Qualitative Conclusion

Options

6526

Output:

Genotypesof

possible

contributor(s)

6554

LRmeets

expectations?

6584

Have all POI

referencesbeen

run?

6582

Have propositions been

run for all required

scenariosPAP?

6580

Output:

Quantitative value

for/against/neutral to the

null hypothesis/prosecutor's

hypothesis/numerator

Qualitative statement

for/against/neutral to the

numerator (SeeQualitative Conclusion Options)

6578

Select appropriate

conclusion from the

optionsPAP

FROM 6516

6524

Can I proceed with data

as-is?

6522

Did the quality metricsmeet set

expectations?

YES

6520

Evaluate quality metricsPAP

- Very StrongSupport

- Strong Support

- Moderate Support

- Limited Support

- Uninformative

- Excluded

6552

Evaluate Likelihood

Ratio PAP

6528

Wasan LR

generated?

6556

Can I proceed with data

as-is?

GOTO6502

Decon/ Com/Stat

Non-Binary (1 of

2)

GOTO6502

Decon/ Com/Stat

Non-Binary (1 of

2)

Go To 7000

Reporting

NO

NO

Go To 7000

Reporting

6586

Is there more

evidence to examine

per testingplan?

RETURN TO

3160

YES

YES

NO

Technology Assist

Expert System

- GMIDX

- Genemarker

ProbabilisticGenotyping

- Fully continuousProbGen

- STRMix

- TrueAllele

- DNA-View

- GenoProof Mixture

- Semi-continuousProbGen

- ArmedXpert

- LRMix

- LabRetriever

- Homebuilt calculator

YES

GOTO6002

Number of

Contributors

GOTO5210

Assessing

Interpretability

(1 of 5)

GOTO4458

Amplification

GOTO

Decon/Com/StatNon-Binary (1

of 2) - 6510

GOTO

Decon/Com/Stat- Non-Binary (1

of 2) - 6510

GOTO

Decon/Com/StatNon-Binary (1

of 2) - 6510

GOTO

Decon/Com/Stat- Non-Binary (1

of 2) - 6514

GOTO6502

Decon/

Com/Stat

Non-Binary (1

of 2)

GOTO6002

Number of

Contributors

YES

6530

Use knowledge, training, experience, preference,

and/or agency policy to choose the appropriate

action based on Evaluation: Quality Metrics

6532

Re-evaluate number

of contributors

6536

Check input data

(administrative error)

6538

Re-amp (re-run

replicate)

6540

Re-run with increased

reiterations

6542

Adjust software mixture proportions

(e.g. prior odds)

6534

Re-evaluate allele

designations

6544

Change degradation

thresholds

6550

Change number of

contributors

6548

Change assumptions

and/or propositions

6546

Change Burn-in

iterations

NO

YES

YES

YES

NO

NO

Evaluation: Quality Metrics

Evaluation Criteria/Resources

- Mixture proportionsassigned to

contributorsmeet qualitative

expectations?

- Template amountsassigned to

contributorsmeet qualitative

expectations?

- Weightsassigned to each contributor meet qualitative expectations?

- Degradation valuesmeet qualitative

expectations?

- Locusefficienciesmeet qualitative

expectations?

- # of iterations& acceptance rate indicate

further analysistime required?

- Effective sample size indicate potential

for high variability between repeated

analyses?

- Avg(log) likelihood consistent with

accurately modeled data?

- Stutter variance significantly elevated?

- Allele variance significantly elevated?

- Gelman-Rubin value indicatesanalysis

hasconverged?

NO

GOTO6002

Number of

Contributors

GOTO5210

Assessing

Interpretability

(1 of 5)

GOTO4458

Amplification

GOTO

Decon/Com/StatNon-Binary (1

of 2) - 6510

GOTO

Decon/Com/Stat- Non-Binary (1

of 2) - 6510

GOTO

Decon/Com/StatNon-Binary (1

of 2) - 6510

GOTO

Decon/Com/Stat- Non-Binary (1

of 2) - 6514

GOTO6502

Decon/

Com/Stat

Non-Binary (1

of 2)

6560

Re-evaluate number

of contributors

6564

Check input data

(administrative error)

6566

Re-amp (re-run

replicate)

6568

Re-run with increased

reiterations

6570

Adjust mixture

proportions

6562

Re-evaluate allele

designation

6572

Change degradation

thresholds

6576

Change assumptions

and/or propositions

6574

Change Burn-in

iterations

6558

Use knowledge, training, experience, preference,

and/or agency policy to choose the appropriate

action based on Evaluation: Likelihood Ratio

NO

Evaluation: Likelihood

Ratio

Evaluation Criteria/Resources

- Are all racial groups

statistic valuessimilar?

- Doesthe overall LR

numerical valueconform

with the qualitative

expectations?

GOTO

Decon/Com/StatNon-Binary (1

of 2) - 6510

GOTO

Decon/Com/Stat- Non-Binary (1

of 2) - 6510
OSACHuman ForensicBiology Subcommittee

This Process Map provides a visual description of the various steps of the casework process performed by DNA analysts and is an attempt to represent all reasonable variations in current practice. OSAC and SWGDAM do not explicitly support or endorse (as best practices) all of the different steps and/or paths as depicted on this

current-practices process map.

Human Forensic DNA Analysis(Current Practice) May 5, 2022 Page 40 of 42

7000 - Reporting

7014

Output:

Signed draft report that includes:

- Case identifier

- Description of evidence examined

- Description of technology

- Locusor amplification system

- Qualitative conclucion statements

- Quantitative conclusion statements

- CODISeligibility/suitability information

- Sample/evidence disposition Information

- Identification/signature and title of

author

- Identification of samplestested

- Results and /or conclusions for each item

tested

*Reportsmay include other information PAP

Documentation sufficient to support all

conclusions

7002

Input:

- Case record (electropherogram,

examination notes, analysis,

worksheets, agency service request

etc.)

- SOPs

- Definitions

- Analysishistory (i.e. any past analysis

performed)

- Databases(population)

- CODISdocumentation

- Disposition of the items

7012

Draft preliminary

report

7004

Have all suitability

decisionsbeen rendered

and documented PAP?

7006

Have all required

deconvolution(s)/

comparison(s) been

completed?

GOTO

Generate and

AssessQuality

of EPG(3 of 3)-

5126

YES

7008

Isthe deconvolution/

comparison method

binary?

GOTO6100

Deconvolution

- Binary

NO

NO

YES

NO

Technology Assist

- Laboratory Information Management System (LIMS)

- Word processing software

7010

Assembleall

supporting

documentation PAP

YES

GOTO6500

Deconvolution Comparison

Statistics - NonBinary (1

of 2)

GOTO7100

Reviews

FROM

3384/3440/3530/3597/

3689/3660/3693/3728/4282/

4326/4456/4470/5224/5302/5332/

5362/6020/6120/6206/6224/

6226/6236/6418/6284/

6528/6586/7128/7214
OSACHuman ForensicBiology Subcommittee

This Process Map provides a visual description of the various steps of the casework process performed by DNA analysts and is an attempt to represent all reasonable variations in current practice. OSAC and SWGDAM do not explicitly support or endorse (as best practices) all of the different steps and/or paths as depicted on this

current-practices process map.

Human Forensic DNA Analysis(Current Practice) May 5, 2022 Page 41 of 42

Technical Review Evaluation

7104

Submit information

to qualified technical

reviewer(s)

7108

Are all technical

review evaluation

criteria

acceptable?

7106

Independent

re-analysisrequired?

PAP

YES

7130

FinalizeTechnical

Review PAP

- Are all conclusionsin compliance with

laboratory guidelinesand supported by case

record?

- Are all DNAtypessupported by raw or

analyzed data?

- Are all statistical analysisacceptable PAP?

- Doesthe documentation support the

conclusions?

- Are all profilesentered into CODISeligible,

have the correct DNAtypes, and the correct

specimen category?

- Doesthe report contain all elements

specified by the ReportsSection of the QAS?

- Iscase documentation complete and legible?

- Are quality assurance and quality control

(QA/QC) requirementssatisfied?

NO

GOTO

7200 Reviews ?

Technical and

Administrative

(2 of 2)

FROM

7014

7102

Input:

- Signed draft report

- Case record

(electropherogram,

examination notes,

analysis, worksheets,

agency service

request etc.)

- SOPs

- Databases

- CODIS

documentation

- Service request

7114

Do the analysts

have consensus

agreement?

7112

Independent re-analysis

(GOTODeconvolution -

Binary or Deconvolution

- Comparison StatisticsNon-Binary based on the

intital analysis method)

NO

7116

Resolve conflict(s), and

follow agency conflict

resolution policy (e.g.

revise report, conduct

further data analysis,

provide additional

documentation

7118

Update report and

case notesPAP

YES

7110

Initiate a quality review

(Discussionswith report

author and/or request

additional

documentation, data

analysis, or testing)

NO

YES

7120

Corrective action

required?

7124

Conduct

corrective

action steps

PAP

YES

7122

Take appropriate

actionsand

revise report PAP

NO

7126

Isre-analysis

required?

NO

7128

Determine

appropriate

re-analysis steps

PAP

YES

7100 - Reviews- Technical and Administrative

Go To 7000

Reporting

Technology Assist

- Laboratory Information Management System (LIMS)

- Word processing software
OSACHuman ForensicBiology Subcommittee

This Process Map provides a visual description of the various steps of the casework process performed by DNA analysts and is an attempt to represent all reasonable variations in current practice. OSAC and SWGDAM do not explicitly support or endorse (as best practices) all of the different steps and/or paths as depicted on this

current-practices process map.

Human Forensic DNA Analysis(Current Practice) May 5, 2022 Page 42 of 42

7200 - Reviews? Technical and Administrative (2 of 2)

Administrative (Admin) Review Evaluation

7204

Submit information

to qualified

administrative

reviewer(s)

7222

Output:

- Final dated/signed report

- Support documentation sufficient

to support all conclusions

- Following technical and

administrative review: notes

determined to be complete, testing

appropriate, and all

conclusions/interpretations are in

compliance with SOPand

laboratory policy

FROM 7130

7208

Discusswith report

author and/or

request clerical

correctionsor

custody corrections

7212

Perform conflict

resolution PAP

NO

7220

Finalize

administrative

review PAP

YES

7214

Revise report?

7216

Chain of custody

correction

required?

GOTO7000

Reporting

YES

YES

NO

7206

Areall admin review

evaluation criteria

acceptable?

- Isthe report clerically accurate?

- Doesthe report contain all elementsspecified by the ReportsSection of the QAS?

- Isthe chain of custody and disposition of evidence

correct PAP?

- Istesting completed and satisfiesrequest

fromcontributor?

- Iscase record complete PAP(i.e. case and all pages

initialed and with no obliterated notes)?

7218

Make the

custody

correction PAP

NO

NO

YES

Technology Assist

- Laboratory Information Management System (LIMS)

- Word processing software

STOP/DISSEMINATE

REPORTTO

REQUESTOR

7202

Input:

- Signed draft report

- Case record

(electropherogram,

examination notes,

analysis, worksheets,

agency service

request etc.)

- SOPs

- CODISdocumentation

- Service request

7210

Are all admin review

evaluation criteria

acceptable?