Thesis
Commercial Controls for Forensic Tests
Masters by Research, Murdoch University
2026
Abstract
Quality assurance is vital in the field of forensic science. Tests performed and results obtained by forensic laboratories must hold up to scrutiny in courts of law by adhering to set standards and quality assurance measures. One such measure is the inclusion of positive and negative controls to ensure the correct functioning of analyses performed. Current practice in forensic laboratories is to use donated biological samples as positive controls for certain tests that detect the presence of these biological materials. This is, however, complicated by the variability between individuals and samples that could impede the reliability of these positive controls and, consequently, the results of the tests themselves. It is important, then, to look at alternative, commercially available materials that can be used as positive controls for these tests that will react with the tests in a predictable, consistent way with as little variability as possible. It is proposed that commercially available human haemoglobin, salivary α-amylase, and a recombinant SEMG2 protein are more consistent options for the ABAcard® HemaTrace®, RSID™-Saliva, and RSID™-Semen tests respectively, and that cytochrome c, potato-derived and wheat germ-derived acid phosphatases, and a cultivated human cell line will be suitable for the Kastle-Meyer and Acid Phosphatase tests and DNA extraction respectively.
Details
- Title
- Commercial Controls for Forensic Tests
- Authors/Creators
- Abbie J Watts
- Contributors
- Marie Rye (Supervisor) - Murdoch University, School of Medical, Molecular and Forensic SciencesBrendan Chapman (Supervisor) - Murdoch University, School of Medical, Molecular and Forensic Sciences
- Awarding Institution
- Murdoch University; Masters by Research
- Identifiers
- 991005904177707891
- Murdoch Affiliation
- School of Medical, Molecular and Forensic Sciences
- Resource Type
- Thesis
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