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Abstract
The Crime Sample Database Unit, part of the Forensic Biology group at the Institute of Environmental Science and Research Limited, receives samples predominantly from unsolved volume crime cases, such as burglaries and car theft, for inclusion on the New Zealand National DNA Databank. A high proportion of these samples are analysed for the presence of low or trace amounts of DNA. A study was undertaken to evaluate the success of such sample types in providing a DNA profile. Handled items expected to yield low or trace levels of DNA were found to be a commonly submitted type of item in this group, but one of the least successful in terms of DNA profiles obtained. These results are significant, as much time and money is invested in the analysis of such samples, resources that may be better employed elsewhere.