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Forensic DNA Laboratories

Where Science Meets Justice — And Students Meet the Moment

Marshall University’s Forensic DNA Laboratory is a nationally accredited, fully operational forensic facility housed within a secure, standalone campus. Designed to support criminal investigations and prepare future forensic professionals, the lab integrates advanced scientific processes, rigorous quality control and real-world application – all under one roof.

ANAB-Accredited Forensic DNA Laboratory

Accreditation. Integrity. Impact.

Marshall University’s DNA Laboratory is:

  • A West Virginia Criminal Justice Agency
  • Accredited by the ANSI National Accreditation Board (ANAB)
  • Compliant with ISO/IEC 17025 standards

This accreditation ensures full adherence to federally mandated quality assurance standards for both forensic casework and DNA database submissions. Our lab is subject to regular audits and performance reviews to uphold the highest level of scientific integrity and public trust.

Explore Our Facilities

Protecting Integrity From Intake to Courtroom

All physical evidence submitted for DNA analysis is stored in a secure, access-controlled Evidence Storage Room. Only authorized laboratory personnel are permitted entry, ensuring a clear chain of custody.
Key features:

  • Located in a restricted-access facility
  • Complies with evidence security protocols
  • Houses non-report sexual assault kits for a minimum of two years or until case activation, in accordance with state and federal guidelines

Clean Processing of Biological Samples

The Preparation Laboratory is equipped with biosafety cabinets for handling complex biological samples such as:

  • Bone fragments
  • Liquid blood
  • Tissue samples

In this lab, evidence is prepared for analysis through:

  • Manual or automated DNA extraction
  • Preparation for quantitation and PCR amplification

All extracted DNA samples are securely stored pending further processing or return to the submitting law enforcement agency.

Precision Amplification in a Controlled Environment

This lab is purpose-built for Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) amplification, the process used to generate millions of copies of DNA from minute samples.
Features include:

  • Negative air pressure to prevent contamination
  • Dedicated equipment to maintain separation from pre-PCR areas
  • Real-Time PCR Quantitation Instrument, used to accurately measure the amount of human DNA isolated from each sample

Contamination control is a top priority, and this lab is fully compliant with ANAB accreditation standards.

Where Expertise and Evidence Come Together

This is the primary workspace for forensic analysts conducting casework. Here, analysts interpret DNA results, review case files, complete documentation, and prepare legally defensible reports for use in investigations and courtroom proceedings.