Validation (Forensic Method)
Definition
The process of demonstrating that a method is fit for its intended forensic purpose: reproducibility, sensitivity, specificity, and performance on simulated casework samples are documented before the method is used in live cases.
- Purpose
- Demonstrate a method fit for intended forensic use
- Parameters assessed
- Reproducibility, sensitivity, specificity
- Testing basis
- Simulated casework samples
- Timing
- Completed before live case use
Common questions
What is the difference between validation and verification of a forensic method?+
Validation establishes that a method works reliably for its intended purpose in general, typically done once by a developer or reference lab, while verification confirms that a specific laboratory can reproduce that performance on its own equipment before adopting the method for casework.
What happens if a validated method is later applied outside its tested conditions?+
Using it beyond the sample types, concentrations, or conditions covered by the original validation study means its performance is no longer supported by data, so the laboratory typically needs additional validation work before relying on results from that expanded use.
Related terms
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- Metabarcoding
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- Microsatellite (SSR) Profiling
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- Next-Generation Sequencing (NGS)
- High-throughput sequencing technologies (Illumina, Ion Torrent, Oxford Nanopore) that produce millions of reads in parallel. For plant forensics, they enable whole-chloroplast genome...
- Whole-Chloroplast Phylogenomics
- Using complete chloroplast genome sequences (plastomes, ~120-160 kb) to reconstruct phylogenetic relationships and assign an unknown plant to a geographic clade or...