Validation Principles, Practices, Parameters, Performance Evaluations, and Protocols

Description:

This workshop will discuss validation principles (the why), practices (the how), parameters (the what), performance evaluations (the when), and protocols (the so what) important to establishing the degree of reliability involved in aspects of forensic DNA mixture interpretation. Topics to be covered include a review of currently available guidance documents on validation and suggestions on how to perform, describe, and utilize validation data from all parts of the DNA interpretation pipeline including probabilistic genotyping software. Published literature on validation experiments with probabilistic genotyping software will be reviewed.

Learning Outcomes:

By the end of the workshop attendees will:

1. Be cognizant of guidance documents and principles underlying quality validation studies.
2. Be better informed on approaches and principles involved in validation to assist DNA mixture interpretation protocol development where the limits of data and mixture interpretation are recognized.
3. Appreciate the importance of defining limitations with methods used in DNA interpretation and be aware of approaches for doing so.
4. Be exposed to a review of published validation experiments performed on probabilistic genotyping software.
5. Recognize the differences and relationships between accreditation, validation, optimization and verification within the laboratory’s DNA testing and interpretation processes.

Intended Audience:

DNA Technical Leaders, DNA analysts, laboratory directors, QA/QC managers, attorneys, academicians, consultants and aspiring DNA analysts (students)

Pre-requisites include: Experience with forensic DNA profiling techniques and STR data interpretation. Minimal working knowledge or experience with probabilistic genotyping software would be helpful but is not required.