Forensic DNA Testing

Quality Assurance standards for forensic DNA testing laboratories have been established by the DNA Advisory Board and implemented in 1998 and 1999. These standards describe the quality assurance requirements to ensure the quality and integrity of the data and competency of the laboratory.

The DNA services of the Forensic Lab have been audited by the National Forensic Science Technology Center and found to be in compliance with the quality assurance standards for convicted offender DNA Databasing labs and forensic DNA testing Labs.

Local, County and State Law Enforcement have the opportunity to submit criminal case investigation DNA evidence for DNA testing by the SD State Forensic Lab. Results obtained by the SD State Forensic Lab will be used by Law Enforcement for investigative information and by SD Judicial Systems to assist resolving criminal matters. DNA databasing of South Dakota’s convicted offender samples is being accomplished according to SDCL 23-5A-1 and the FBI’s CODIS/NDIS protocols.

Picture of a DNA Double Helix, provided by Paul Thiessen