Determination of the Age of the Sample
It is not possible to determine the age of a biological sample or the time of deposition of the sample by DNA analysis, with the notable exception of sperm detected on vaginal/cervical swabs or in vaginal aspirates. Although sperm may be present, generally, sufficient sperm to obtain DNA test results cannot be collected from the vaginal cavity of a living female more than 24 to 48 hours after deposition. Several factors may affect the ability to obtain DNA test results from sperm collected from a deceased individual, such as the extent to which the individual engaged in physical activity after the sperm was deposited, the time of death in relation to the deposition of the sperm, and the decomposition of the body.
Go to the Next Section: Determining Which Samples to Test
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Postconviction DNA Testing: Recommendations for Handling Requests
- Background on DNA Testing
- Framework for Analysis
- The Roles of Participants
- Legal Issues
- Biological Issues
- Recommendations for Prosecutors
- Recommendations for Defense Counsel
- Recommendations for the Judiciary
- Recommendations for Victim Assistance
- Recommendations for Laboratory Personnel
- Survey of Postconviction Statutes
- Summary of Postconviction DNA Motions
- Back to "Uses of Forensic DNA"
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