In 1987, Florida rapist Tommie Lee Andrews became the first person in the United States to be convicted as a result of DNA evidence. In 1989, Gary Dotson was the first person whose conviction was overturned using DNA evidence. In 1994, the “Crime of the Century” brought the power of DNA testing and impact of evidence contamination to the forefront of the public eye when Nichole Brown Simpson was murdered. These are only three of the massive number of cases heavily dependant on DNA analysis.

Over the past 20 years, DNA has become a critical part of our judical system. During this same period, the science of DNA processing has quickly changed; from scientific methods to instrumentation and caseload to staff. As the process evolves and technology advances, forensic laboratory facilities must also transform to support these trends and countless cases that rely upon DNA evidence.

The FBI’s Daisy Chain and New York City’s vertical separation by floor are perfect examples of evolving facilities. Various aspects of forensic laboratories are now being reevaluated to push the design envelope and provide even more flexibility. This article outlines how yesterday’s design affects today’s innovative laboratory trends. Each facility spotlighted utilizes modular planning concepts.

FEDERAL BUREAU OF INVESTIGATION FORENSIC LABORATORY Quantico, Virginia

Facility Style – Daisy Chain. Planning for this facility began in 1996. It was occupied in 2002.

Design Intent – The Daisy Chain was designed for each scientist to move in one direction into and out of each lab without back tracking. For example, a staff member first would enter the gowning room, then move into reagent prep, next into Pre-Amplification, then Post-Amplification (AMP), and finally exit through the same gowning room.

Scientific Reasoning – The goal was to avoid cross-contamination by not back tracking from Post-AMP into Pre-AMP. In theory, once users have moved through the Daisy Chain, they are done for the day.