The Duplication Worksheet is an important component of the DNA Analysis Worksheet. DNA testing consists of two pieces, the original DNA sample that is extracted from the biological specimen and the DNA analysis work sheet that describes what has been taken and what has been processed from the specimen. These sheets are typically written by professional DNA experts and contain detailed explanations of how the sample was handled, who did the collecting and processing, and how the sample was analyzed.
Many forensic scientists collect and process samples from crime scenes and other areas where the safety of the specimen is concerned. In these circumstances, the needs of the collecting, processing, and analysis experts must be met in order to produce a quality product.
While most forensic DNA experts prepare the worksheet by themselves, many require the assistance of trained technicians write the work sheets. Some experts only need help with their own worksheet. Others may need to conduct additional testing on the samples to further refine their findings and identify any potential sources of error. Detectives or prosecutors may need a full worksheet done when conducting an investigation.
The DNA analysis worksheet can often be prepared on the spot without much effort on the part of the researcher. The most common way to prepare a worksheet is to write a few sentences describing the specimen, who collected it, and how it was handled prior to DNA testing. These sentences may be followed by an explanation of how the specimen was handled during the analysis and whether any part of the specimen was preserved.
Other worksheets involve explaining the process of DNA testing. Depending on the type of DNA work sheet required, this can include the equipment used for testing the samples, the laboratory procedures, how long the tests were run, and how the samples were sequenced.
Somelaboratories provide in-house workers who can complete the entire work sheet for their clients. Often these workers are paid by the number of specimens analyzed.
Students who need help with the creation of a worksheet can enroll in special DNA courses, such as Work Sheet Writing, or in a DNA laboratories class. Additional training may be necessary for college students who wish to get more involved in the preparation of the worksheet. Some professionals can be hired to help prepare the worksheet for a fee.
If DNA analysis is being performed on duplicate samples, these samples must be properly identified before they are used for testing. If they are not properly identified, a wrong sample could be given to the suspect or client. A duplicate sample can be identified by inspecting its physical characteristics and identifying the factors that make it different from all others.
