Scientific Working Group on
DNA Analysis Methods (SWGDAM)


SWGDAM
Guideline
Documents

Quality Assurance Standards (QAS) Documents
Autosomal STRs
SWGDAM Interpretation Guidelines for Autosomal STR Typing by Forensic DNA Testing Laboratories
Guidelines for the Use of Probabilistic Genotyping with Autosomal STR Typing Results
Guidelines for Reporting Likelihood Ratios
SWGDAM Guidelines for STR Enhanced Detection Methods
Lineage Markers
SWGDAM Interpretation Guidelines for Y-Chromosome STR Testing
Interpretation Guidelines for Mitochondrial DNA Analysis by Forensic DNA Testing Laboratories
Single Nucleotide Polymorphisms (SNP)
Validation
Validation Guidelines for the Use of an Expert System with Forensic Samples
SWGDAM Validation Guidelines for Forensic DNA Analysis Methods
SWGDAM Guidelines for the Validation of Probabilistic Genotyping Systems
Miscellaneous
SWGDAM Contamination Prevention and Detection Guidelines for Forensic DNA Laboratories
SWGDAM Recommendations for the Efficient DNA Processing of Sexual Assault Evidence Kits.
SWGDAM Guidelines for Missing Persons Casework

SWGDAM
Technical Communications
SWGDAM Position Statement Formal Activity Level Reporting – December 2025
SWGDAM Resource Document: Forensic DNA Analysis – Team Approach
SWGDAM Notice on QAS Educational Requirements
Report on Y-Screening of Sexual Assault Evidence Kits (SAEKs)
Overview of Investigative Genetic Genealogy
SWGDAM Position Statement on Rapid DNA Analysis
Recommendations from the SWGDAM Adhoc Working Group on Familial Searching
SWGDAM Letter to R-DNA Developers
SWGDAM Clarification on Proficiency Testing of qPCR Workflows Including Y-screening
Notice on the February 7, 2022 Changes to YHRD
Notice on the Status of the U.S. Y-STR Database
2014 SWGDAM Compliant YHRD User’s Guide
2025 Quality Assurance Standards (QAS)
The Quality Assurance Standards for DNA Databasing Laboratories, Effective July 1, 2025
The Quality Assurance Standards for Forensic DNA Testing Laboratories, Effective July 1, 2025
2025 QAS Audit Documents
2025 QAS Guidance Document

SWGDAM Miscellaneous Communications
Letters
SWGDAM ASCLD/LAB Interested Party Response
Letter to NIJ Regarding the United States Y-STR Database
Received by SWGDAM
NDIS Procedures Board Letter to SWGDAM Regarding Acceptance of NGS-based Forensic DNA Typing Kits
Response by The US Equal Opportunity Commission (EEOC) to the request by SWGDAM for an informal advisory opinion on the GINA exemption for forensic laboratories.http://www.eeoc.gov/eeoc/foia/letters/2012/gina_forensic_lab_exception.html
