Includes bibliographical references and index

Sample collection, storage, and characterization -- DNA extraction methods -- DNA quantitation -- PCR amplification: capabilities and cautions -- Short tandem repeat (STR) loci and kits -- Capillary electrophoresis: principles and instrumentation -- Quality assurance and validation -- DNA databases: uses and issues -- Missing persons and disaster victim identification efforts -- Degraded DNA -- Low-level DNA testing: issues, concerns, and solutions -- Single nucleotide polymorphisms and applications -- Y-chromosome DNA testing -- Mitochondrial DNA analysis -- X-chromosome analysis -- Non-human DNA -- New technologies and automation -- Legal aspects of DNA testing and the scientific expert in court