¶ SOP – Testing with Non-Standard Samples
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Source file: SOP – Testing with Non-Standard Samples .pdf
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SOP - Testing with Non-Standard Samples (NSS) /
Forensic DNA Analysis
Purpose
To outline the correct procedure for processing, documenting, and
authorising DNA tests involving non-standard (forensic) samples,
ensuring compliance with privacy, consent, and legal requirements.
Scope
This SOP applies to all EasyDNA and affiliate staff handling forensic or
non-standard biological samples, including hair, nails, toothbrushes,
chewing gum, blood stains, and samples from deceased individuals.
It covers both Peace-of-Mind (non-legal) and restricted testing
scenarios, excluding court-admissible (legal) analyses.
Definitions
Term Meaning
NSS (Non-Standard Sample) Any DNA source other than a
mouth (buccal) swab.
Forensic Sample An item or biological material used
for DNA extraction, typically
discreet or recovered (e.g.,
toothbrush, blood stain).
Donor The person whose DNA is being
tested.
Consent Written, informed authorization
from the donor (or legal guardian if
underage/deceased).
HTA Consent Form egal form under the Human Tissue
Act, required for deceased
samples.
Procedure
- Identify the Sample Type
- Confirm that the case involves a non-standard sample.
Examples include:
- Hair, nails, chewing gum, cigarette butts, toothbrush, tissue,
razor, blood stains, semen stains.
- Add "NSS / Forensic Sample" in ATP under Sample Type.
- Ensure the case reference is clearly marked on the submission
envelope and ATP notes.
- Consent & Documentation Requirements
Before proceeding, ensure all mandatory documentation is received
and verified.
Required Document Description Applies To
Declaration of Signed by all adult All NSS cases
Consent Form participants or legal
guardians. Must match
attached template
"(US-CA-ZA)
Declaration Form 2".
Valid Photo ID Passport, driver's All adult participants
licence, or national ID
card.
Birth Certificate Required if any Minors only
participant is a minor.
Guardian Signature Must match the name Minors only
on the birth certificate.
Consent Form Required when testing Deceased participants
deceased samples. only
Death Certificate Confirms identity and Deceased participants
next of kin. only
Do not proceed unless full consent documentation is received.
Staff must verify all of the following before approving the case:
- Was a valid reason provided for using a forensic sample instead of
a buccal swab?
- Has informed consent been confirmed for each donor?
- If the donor is underage, is the signatory the legal parent or
guardian listed on the birth certificate?
- If the donor is deceased, is the requester listed as Next of Kin on
the death certificate?
- Have all signed forms and ID copies been attached in ATP?
If any condition is not met → Cancel and refund the order.
- Communication to Client
CSR must send the Forensic Sample Policy Email, requesting the
following confirmations:
- Why are you submitting a forensic sample instead of a buccal swab?
- Do you have informed consent from the donor?
- If the donor is underage, are you their parent or legal guardian?
Include the attached Declaration of Consent Form and outline that
testing will not begin until all documents are received.
¶ 5. Legal and Ethical Restrictions
Region Legal Requirement Notes
Australia It is a criminal offence Refer to Discrete
to test an individual's Terms and Conditions
DNA without their
explicit informed
consent.
New Zealand DNA testing requires For private or forensic
informed consent (non-criminal) testing,
from the donor or explicit written
their legal guardian if consent and matching
underage. The photo ID are
Criminal mandatory. Testing
Investigations without consent may
(Bodily Samples) breach privacy or
Act 1995 regulates other civil laws.
DNA collection in
criminal cases and
defines limits on
compulsion.
General Policy EasyDNA reserves the Applies globally
right to reject or
destroy any sample
that fails to meet
consent or legal
standards.
6. Testing Limitations
- Forensic tests are for peace-of-mind purposes only.
Results are not admissible in court.
- Forensic sample testing is subject to additional lab fees and longer
turnaround times due to sample quality variability.
A case must be cancelled and refunded if:
- Consent or ID documentation is missing or incomplete.
- The signatory is not a legal guardian or next of kin.
- The client refuses to provide justification for forensic testing.
- The sample appears to have been obtained without consent or
illegally.
- Special Cases - Deceased Participants
For samples from deceased individuals:
- Acceptable sample types: bone, teeth, nails, hair, tissue.
- Documentation required:
- Death certificate
- Participant ID
- Declaration Consent Form signed by next of kin
- Verify that the next of kin is correctly listed on the death certificate.
- Add ATP note:
"Forensic testing requested for deceased individual. Next of kin
verified via death certificate. Declaration form received."
- Record Keeping
All documentation (forms, IDs, certificates, communications) must be
uploaded to ATP > Documents & Notes section under the correct case
reference.
Retention period follows EasyDNA's Data Privacy and Retention Policy.
References
- EasyDNA AU - Discreet DNA Test
- EasyDNA AU - Discreet DNA Terms and Conditions
- Internal Policy: Forensic Sample Consent Requirements (Version
2025.1)