U.S. flag

An official website of the United States government, Department of Justice.

What Every Law Enforcement Officer Should Know About DNA Evidence

Investigators and Evidence Technicians

Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR)

Home  |  Glossary  |  Resources  |  Help  |  Contact Us  |  Course Map
 

PCR
National Institute of Justice (NIJ) (see reuse policy).

Laboratories now are using PCR (Polymerase Chain Reaction) technology to analyze DNA. This technology is highly sensitive and can generate a reliable DNA profile from a crime scene stain that is as small as the size of a pin head. Because newer DNA tests are based on sensitive PCR technology, more attention must be paid to preventing contamination at the crime scene.

Back Forward