Reporting Format
The ASCL reports in a simplified, streamlined format. By submitting evidence to the laboratory for analysis, you agree to this reporting format.
Below are listed the elements which are and aren’t included in each report. Elements listed as “excluded” may be included when appropriate. All elements are available upon customer request.
- Included Elements
- Report
- A title (i.e., Report of Laboratory Analysis)
- The name and address of the laboratory
- The location of the performance of the activities (i.e., the location listed in the header of the report)
- The ASCL case number on each page of the report
- Page numbering of the form “Page x of y“
- The name and address of the customer
- The date of issue of the report
- A statement that the results only relate to the items tested
- Evidence item(s)
- Identification of the item or material tested
- Identification of the item or material sampled, when appropriate
- Results
- The results with, where appropriate, the units of measurement
- Measurement uncertainty1, where relevant, presented in the same units as the result
- Clear identification when results are from external providers
- The signature, function, and name of the reporting analyst/examiner
- Report
- Excluded Elements
- Report
- The date the item(s) were received
- The date of sampling, where applicable
- The date(s) of testing
- The signature, function, and name of case reviewer(s)
- Evidence item(s)
- Detailed description and condition of the item
- Testing/Sampling/Results
- An identification of the method(s) used during analysis
- The specific sampling plan used, where applicable
- Additions to, deviations, or exclusions from the method
- Information on test/sampling conditions or environmental conditions
- Location of sampling, when appropriate
- Report
Where a numerical measurement (e.g., a drug concentration in blood) is reported without an accompanying measurement uncertainty, the measurement uncertainty is available upon request.
Disposition of Received Items
All evidence items submitted to the ASCL are returned to the submitting agency after analysis, except:
- Decedents submitted to the Medical Examiner’s office
- Toxicology specimens, which are destroyed after a retention period
- Items retained by the laboratory for reference or future testing
- These items will be disclosed on the Report of Laboratory Analysis or other communication with the submitting agency
Total THC in THC Quantitations
The reported percent Δ9-Tetrahydrocannabinol (Δ9-THC) in quantitated plant material/oils is comprised of the total of Δ9-THC detected. In this analytical method, Δ9-Tetracannabinolic acid (Δ9-THCA) can convert to Δ9-THC, and this analyte is included in the reported amount.
DNA Reporting Format
The ASCL DNA Report of Laboratory Analysis follows the ASCL simplified, streamlined format. Additional elements are listed below which may be relevant to understanding a DNA report.
Report
Declaration of Analysis Methodology (i.e., the specific DNA testing method used to analyze the listed evidence). This may include quantitation kits and/or amplification kits.
Evidence item(s)
Identification of the item or material tested.
All items tested are listed. For clarity, additional items submitted but not tested are not listed on the report. Items previously reported in the case-file are considered for comparisons, but are not listed again on the report as ‘analyzed’. Items reported in separate (but related) case-files will be listed with the appropriate ASCL case number.
Results
The results of analysis for each item are stated in a standardized format, ranging in size from a single sentence to multiple paragraphs, depending on the complexity of the results and case scenario. Results from Reference Samples are not typically included in the report as it is understood that useable single-source profiles are expected. Deviations from this assumption will be reported.
Typical results include:
- Insufficient DNA or insufficient male DNA (based on quantitation or STR analysis)
- Inconclusive DNA (based on STR analysis)
- DNA Suitable for comparison (based on STR analysis, may include):
- Number of contributors
- Identification of assumed contributors (based on scenario)
- Identification of excluded contributors
- Identification of included contributors
- Statistical relevance of the inclusion
- In some case scenarios, non-probative inclusions or exclusions from contribution of a reference may not be reported.
- All possible contributions are evaluated for quality assurance reasons even if not probative to the case
- Relationship Testing (based on STR analysis)
Conclusions (if appropriate)
- Statement of identification of a DNA profile
- Statement of likelihood of contribution
Other Information
Statement of CODIS Entry or Searching Eligibility
CODIS is a multi-tier database of DNA profiles at local, state-wide, and national levels, formed with the intent of aiding investigations. The ASCL manages the local and state-wide levels, while the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) manages the national level. The searching or entry of profiles into the CODIS database by the ASCL is guided by Arkansas statutes and the policies set forth by the FBI.
In the CODIS system, a profile will automatically be entered into the highest level of the database for which it is eligible. There is no action needed from the investigating agency to elevate a profile within the database. If the same profile is obtained from several items, only one sample will be intentionally entered.
Likewise, a sample entered into the database will be automatically and regularly searched against all eligible databases, with no action needed from the investigating agency.
If unsuitable for entry, a profile may only be eligible for a one-time search against a database. This search will be performed automatically, with no action needed from the investigating agency.
By submitting evidence to the laboratory for analysis:
- The investigating agency agrees to the entry and searching of any probative forensic profiles obtained from the testing
- If the profile from an item submitted is determined to be eligible for entry, the report will contain a statement specifying which profile(s) have been entered
- If a profile is only eligible for a one-time search, the report will contain a statement specifying which profile(s) have been searched
- The investigating agency agrees to update the ASCL on any changes to case scenarios which may impact profile eligibility
By submitting reference samples to the laboratory for analysis:
- The investigating agency agrees to the entry and searching of any eligible reference profiles obtained from the testing. Eligible types include:
- Suspects
- Elimination Standards
- Deceased Individuals
- Personal Items for Deceased or Missing Persons
- Family Members of Deceased or Missing Persons
- Family Reference Sample Form and Consent Form are required (available under Resources>Forms)
- As with results, CODIS entry of reference samples will not be addressed on the report
- The investigating agency agrees to update the ASCL on any changes to case scenarios which may impact profile eligibility
- The results of any search ending in a probative association will be communicated separately from the report to the investigating agencies
- As CODIS searches are automatic across all eligible samples, negative search results will not be reported
- In the event that a profile entered into a CODIS database is determined to be ineligible, it will be removed and a notification will be communicated to the investigating agency
Retention of DNA Samples
All items submitted to the DNA section for testing are sampled or retained whole for future testing. If a sample is consumed in testing, the extracts of that testing will be retained. Items deemed not appropriate for DNA testing may be returned to the submitting agency without a sample retained.