OSAC Lexicon

analytical test that relies upon the interaction between antibodies and antigens (e.g., drugs or drug metabolites)

Any of several techniques for obtaining a precipitate between an antibody and its specific antigen by letting both antibody and antigen migrate through the gel from separate wells to form an area of precipitation (also known as ouchterlony double immunodiffusion).

A printer in which printing is the result of mechanical impacts (e.g., dot-matrix, typewheel printer). (SWGDOC E04)

presence of objectivity

Note 1 to entry: Objectivity means that conflicts of interest do not exist, or are resolved so as not to adversely influence subsequent activities of the laboratory (3.6).

Note 2 to entry: Other terms that are useful in conveying the element of impartiality include freedom from conflict of interests, freedom from bias, lack of prejudice, neutrality, fairness, open-mindedness, even-handedness, detachment, balance. [SOURCE: ISO/IEC 170211:2015, 3.2, modified. The words the certification body have been replaced by the laboratory in Note 1 to entry, and the word independence has been deleted from the list in Note 2 to entry.]

Presence of objectivity

A friction ridge image containing friction ridge detail produced on a surface by pressure.

The product of direct or indirect physical contact between a footwear or tire and the substrate resulting in the transfer and retention of characteristics of that item.

An image formed by pressure. (SWGDOC E11)

A deviation from the intended evenness in appearance of a character over the entire impression of the character or relative to the impression of another character (see 3.1.266 off-foot). (SWGDOC E04).

The manner in which the paper is embossed or shredded. (SWGDOC E07)

A reproduction of an area of friction ridge skin produced on a substrate by contact or transfer. Impressions may be referred to as exemplar impressions, latent impressions, or questioned impressions (refer to those definitions for further clarification).

A phenomenon by which an animal during a formative stage of life forms a lasting attachment to, and preference for, some object or activity through exposure to the same independent of consequences. Operational usage: A method of initial odor/scent discrimination training.

A database of reference material or sequences assembled internally by a forensic laboratory.

Reinforcement delivered despite the appropriateness of any response on the part of the subject.

A fire that is intentionally ignited in an area or under circumstances where and when there should not be a fire.

Location at which a fatal injury or fatal sequence of events was initiated. This may or may not be the death scene.

A soil level in an excavation or grave that does not contain evidence or data relevant to the scene under investigation. It does not mean that it is culturally or archaeologically sterile (e.g., historic or prehistoric artifacts or features may be present but are not related to the event under investigation).

A friction ridge not fully developed that may appear shorter and thinner in appearancethan fully developed friction ridges.

The InterNational Committee for Information Technology Standards

A type location check in which a scent match is indicated by the canine thereby including an individual as the scent contributor.

A conclusion for which an individual is a potential contributor of DNA (i.e., cannot be excluded) obtained from an evidentiary sample based on the comparison of DNA data; a statement of inclusion does not confirm that an individual is a source of the DNA.

A concept in evolutionary theory in which genetic isolation leads to the divergence of descendant species from their common ancestors. Incomplete lineage sorting is reflected in the retention of shared ancestral genetic or morphological characteristics between closely related species.

A determination that no conclusion (i.e., inclusion or exclusion) can be drawn from the comparison of reference data to evidentiary data. This could also result from statistical analyses that fail to provide sufficient support for an inclusion or exclusion.

The conclusion that the observed data does not provide more support for one proposition over the other.

The conclusion that the observed data does not provide more support for one proposition over the other.

An opinion expressed when an examination has been undertaken, but the FDE is unable to make a determination with regard to writership or source, for example because of the presence of both similarities and dissimilarities.

The conclusion that the observed data provide more support for the proposition that the impressions originated from different sources rather than the same source; however, there is insufficient support for a Source Exclusion.

The conclusion that the observed data provide more support for the proposition that the impressions originated from different sources rather than the same source; however, there is insufficient support for a Source Exclusion.

The conclusion that the observed data provide more support for the proposition that the impressions originated from the same source rather than different sources; however, there is insufficient support for a Source Identification.

The conclusion that the observed data provide more support for the proposition that the impressions originated from the same source rather than different sources; however, there is insufficient support for a Source Identification.

Latent or visible impressions and/or embossments in paper or other media. This also includes paper fiber disturbances which do not optically appear as impressions. (ASB S044-19)

Scientific usage: Statistical studies assume a property called independence - a situation where the data collected are not related to each other because they come from a random sample from the population examined; independence is often assumed but seldom tested. Good statistical testing tests for independence when its presence is unclear. Operational usage: The canine's capability to perform without assistance or being influenced by the canine handler.

In the simplest experiment this is the item that you vary or that varies as a function of the way the experiment is designed.

The process of obtaining a second analysis from a forensic dental age assessment practitioner, blinded to the results of the first practitioner's assessment.

The canine's response to the odor/scent in the manner in which it has been trained, independently and without distraction. (See alert, final response.)

Created directly from digital data, charged ink particles are applied to an imaging drum and then transferred to a print blanket.

Two sheets of paper, one on top of the other, with one or more intervening sheets. (SWGDOC E02)

A decision which identifies an organism as the source of the DNA that produced an evidentiary single-source or major contributor profile; This statement is often based on population frequency estimates that are more rare than some defined number.

A prefix especially designed for a particular customer. (SWGDOC E07)

Marks or properties that serve to characterize an item(s) and distinguish it from similar item(s).

The process by which a person starts from a particular experience and proceeds to generalizations. The process by which hypotheses are developed based upon observable or known facts and the training, experience, knowledge, and expertise of the observer.