Dropout
Definition
Failure to detect a true contributor allele under the analytical conditions. Their assessment depends on the method and profile conditions. Do not label every unexplained or missing peak by appearance alone.
- Context
- DNA profile interpretation
For example, failure to detect an expected contributor allele can require interpretation of template quantity and assay behaviour rather than automatic exclusion of the contributor.
Controls, thresholds and validated interpretation rules matter.
Related terms
- Background DNA
- Material present through histories other than the activity under investigation. DNA on an item can reflect previous use, indirect transfer or other...
- Contact DNA
- A practical description of DNA recovered from a contact area, without proving the transfer route. It can include different biological components and...
- Indirect Transfer
- Movement of material through an intermediary rather than direct animal contact with the final surface. The intermediary, sequence and opportunities for persistence...
- Persistence
- The property that friction ridge configuration remains stable from birth through death and into decomposition, as long as the papillary dermis survives....