Overview
The advent of DNA profiling methodology in 1985 has had an enormous impact on the ability of crime laboratories to uniquely identify individuals by testing a variety of samples. Since then, the combination of incorporating modern genetic and molecular biology techniques by crime laboratories and the establishment of national DNA databases has resulted in greater success in the identification of criminals. Equally important and relevant, the power of DNA profiling has also been applied to exonerating the innocent, a role demonstrated in the very first use of DNA profiling in forensic casework. In addition, DNA profiling is also useful in resolving unestablished paternity, and in identifying the remains of missing persons or victims of mass disasters.
The DNA Profiling Laboratory @ Health Sciences Authority, established in 1990, is a leader in criminal and commercial forensic DNA analyses. The Laboratory is the only DNA laboratory in Singapore to be accredited by the American Society of Crime Laboratory Directors/Laboratory Accreditation Board (ASCLD/LAB). The Laboratory also adheres to the DNA Advisory Board (DAB) Quality Assurance Standards for Forensic DNA Testing Laboratories. State-of-the-art technology is used for examinations and all technologies are fully validated before application into casework to ensure reliable and quality results.
The DNA Profiling Laboratory and the DNA Database Laboratory were renamed the Forensic Biology Laboratory on 1 August 2008.
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DNA Database Laboratory
The Forensic Biology Lab also set-up the DNA Database Laboratory jointly with Criminal Investigation Department of the Singapore Police Force. Launched on 14 February 2003, the Laboratory is responsible for the administration, operation and management of the only forensic DNA Database in Singapore.
The Laboratory utilises technologies considered state-of-the-art in the forensic science community to provide reliable and accurate analytical services. In addition to the American Society of Crime Laboratory Directors/Laboratory Accreditation Board (ASCLD/LAB) accreditation, the Laboratory also adheres to the DNA Advisory Board (DAB) Quality Assurance Standards for Forensic DNA Testing Laboratories.
The Laboratory uses a fully computerised robotic system coupled with FBI's Combined DNA Index System (CODIS) to establish a database for convicted offenders in Singapore. The Database provides "intelligence" information to assist Law Enforcement Agencies and other institutions (eg. Immigration and Checkpoint Authority) in criminal investigations.
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Forensic DNA Databasing
(In Singapore, this service is exclusive to the Singapore Police Force.)
DNA profiles in the DNA Database Laboratory are developed at 15 highly discriminating genetic loci and one gender marker. All technologies employed by the Laboratory are fully validated before applying them for databasing.
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