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From: "Peter A. Kincaid" <>
Subject: [DNA] Lab error rates
Date: Sat, 01 Dec 2001 18:08:23 -0400


Hello everyone!

I have encountered a situation which troubles me
in its implication on interpreting results; namely
lab error. We all know the saying "to err is human"
but we know electronics do to. Equipment can
give false readings due to poor calibration or
a difficult sample to work with.

How does one factor that in a surname project?
A poor reading can turn a legitimate descendant
into a non paternity event. One can appreciate the
huge implications of this. Has there been any kind
of report on the frequency or probabilities of lab
errors? What kind of numbers would we be dealing
with?

Thanks in advance!



Peter A. Kincaid
Hampton, NB, Canada

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