Stochastic effect
Definition
A random sampling artefact that occurs at very low template quantities. Examples include allelic dropout (an allele fails to amplify), allelic drop-in (a spurious allele appears), and peak height imbalance between alleles at a heterozygous locus.
Related terms
- Corneocyte
- A terminally differentiated, anucleate cell forming the outermost skin layer (stratum corneum). Corneocytes shed continuously. Nucleated cells from deeper epidermal layers are...
- Double-swab technique
- A collection method for dried biological stains in which a moistened swab rehydrates and lifts the stain from the surface, followed immediately...
- Low copy number (LCN) DNA
- An approach to analysing low-template samples by increasing the number of PCR amplification cycles, typically to 34 cycles. Increases sensitivity but also...
- Secondary transfer
- The movement of a glass fragment from a primary surface (which contacted the broken glass) to a secondary surface (which contacted the...
- Touch DNA
- Minute quantities of epithelial cells transferred by skin contact with a surface, without leaving a visible stain. Collected by swabbing contact points...
Explained in
- Touch DNA and Trace Biological MaterialA random sampling artefact that occurs at very low template quantities. Examples include allelic dropout (an allele fails to amplify), allelic drop-in (a spuri...