DNA Samples Fr Criminal Cases To Re-test After HSA Mistake

[Vulcann]

From Yahoo!:

 

http://m.yahoo.com/w/news_asia/dna-samples...amp;.lang=en-sg

 

DNA samples from criminal cases to be re-tested after HSA mistake

By Fann Sim | Yahoo! Newsroom - 34 minutes ago

 

DNA samples in 87 criminal cases will be re-tested following the discovery of an error by the Health Sciences Authority (HSA)'s DNA profiling laboratory.

 

In a statement on Tuesday, the HSA said in August it was found that a reagent of 10 times higher than usual concentration was prepared and used as part of the DNA testing process.

 

The batch of reagent was used between October 2010 and August 2011, but the impact of the reagent used is small, HSA said.

 

The error rendered DNA tests less sensitive in detecting DNA profiles present in samples. The retesting is expected to yield additional DNA profiles in less than 5 per cent of the samples, HSA added.

 

To date, the first set of re-test results showed that only 2 out of 850 samples indicated additional reportable information, such as a DNA profile of another person not previously detected was obtained.

 

HSA assured that the previous tests will not cause any false positive results leading to wrongful identification of a person or inferring the presence of a person who was not there.

 

Separately, the Attorney-General's Chambers (AGC) released a statement and said it has requested re-testing from the 87 cases in which DNA test results may be relied upon by the Prosecution, the Defence of the courts.

 

DNA evidence by itself does not prove any person

[Vulcann]

Who is going to bear the costs of these re-tests?

 

HSA? AGC? Govt?

 

We, the tax-payers!!!

[Wolfy3769]

i think the cost of re-test is nothing compare to someone wrongly sentenance to jail.

 

now trouble liao.. then say DNA test does not prove anyone's guilt.

[Sosaria]

So what other interesting revelations are going to come out this year??

 

In the past, we've always looked on govt agencies and authorities as infallible, cannot make mistake and the final word on any issue... Now?

 

For this particular case, I'm surprised that something as critical to the process, the concentration of a chemical reagant, is not checked and confirmed daily... Even those chemicals that are used for manufacturing operations are checked at least daily!

Edited January 3, 2012 by Sosaria

[Sosaria]

From Yahoo!:

...

 

HSA assured that the previous tests will not cause any false positive results leading to wrongful identification of a person or inferring the presence of a person who was not there.

 

Separately, the Attorney-General's Chambers (AGC) released a statement and said it has requested re-testing from the 87 cases in which DNA test results may be relied upon by the Prosecution, the Defence of the courts.

...

 

These two seemingly contradictory statements in the article really take the cake!!!

 

If they are so SURE that there cannot be any false positive causing wrongful identification... why is there a need for re-testing??

[Gendut]

Now everyone will have doubt about three veracity of HSA DNA testing.

 

As usual in cockups, the initial revelation is the top of the iceberg.

[Vulcann]

Since we talking about DNA testing, how is it possible that a oppo leader in a neighbouring country could refuse to let the authorities take DNA sample from him in the latest high profile criminal case?

 

You mean in such a situation the suspect can turn down this test meh, base on their system?

 

And their authorities have to get a court order to compile him to do that?

 

What about local laws?

 

Any bros familiar with the justice system here to advise?

 

The only thing closest to any refusal to allow sample taking reported is that suspects caught in drink-driving case not allowing blood samples to be taken from him or her will be convicted under the same drink-driving charge.

 

IIRC a local actor (not the Malaysian PR) was charged many years back in a similar case.

[JumpySpeedFiend]

Stand corrected, DNA sample can only be collected from persons being arrested or detained under the Criminal Law (Temporary Provision) Act. This CLTP law is generally known to be used as a deterrence for gang related and SS activities. Apart from the ISA, this is the other law that someone can be detained without an open trial.

 

Back to this case, I think what HSA meant was although the mixture of the reagent is not in correct proportion, it should not have altered any result to cause any false positives. However, to be 100% sure that there isn't any miscarriage of justice, AGC wanted them to conduct the re-test. I tend to agree that this is the right thing to do.

 

In any case, DNA is never, and will never be used as a sole evidence to convict anyone for any crime. Reason being, DNA can only prove that the person had made contact with another person or object. It cannot tell how or when the contact had taken place. Take for example for rape cases, DNA from the semen obtained from the rape victim can only prove that sexual intercourse between the two did take place but it cannot prove that it was a rape and not a consensus sex.

 

[Vulcann]

Stand corrected, DNA sample can only be collected from persons being arrested or detained under the Criminal Law (Temporary Provision) Act. This CLTP law is generally known to be used as a deterrence for gang related and SS activities. Apart from the ISA, this is the other law that someone can be detained without an open trial.

 

Back to this case, I think what HSA meant was although the mixture of the reagent is not in correct proportion, it should not have altered any result to cause any false positives. However, to be 100% sure that there isn't any miscarriage of justice, AGC wanted them to conduct the re-test. I tend to agree that this is the right thing to do.

 

In any case, DNA is never, and will never be used as a sole evidence to convict anyone for any crime. Reason being, DNA can only prove that the person had made contact with another person or object. It cannot tell how or when the contact had taken place. Take for example for rape cases, DNA from the semen obtained from the rape victim can only prove that sexual intercourse between the two did take place but it cannot prove that it was a rape and not a consensus sex.

 

Bro base on your first statement, suspects cannot be compelled to give DNA samples unless under the CLTP Act here?

 

This is something new.

 

Been thinking that anyone arrested here cannot refuse to provide DNA samples required by mata and the authorities...

[Wyvern]

I am puzzled.

 

1. Why only found out after 850 samples that the regeant is 10 times higher..?

2. Dont they have a system of regular sampling of the regeant from the supplier..?

3. And how did it trigger HSA that after 850 samples, something is wrong..?

4. Is there a flaw or loophole in the whole DNA testing system..?

6. Why incident happen in August but only release news to public now in Jan-2012..? Lapse of 4 months..??

 

Hmm...Feel confused by their release statements..

Edited January 3, 2012 by Wyvern

[Neost]

i think the cost of re-test is nothing compare to someone wrongly sentenance to jail.

 

now trouble liao.. then say DNA test does not prove anyone's guilt.

 

Not one will be wrongly sent to jail. The problem with this boo-boo is that it makes the testing less sensitive. Therefore, those who convicted will still be convicted because their DNA was so strongly presence in the crime scene that less sensitive test also shows. With the re-test, which is more sensitive, there may be new DNA detected which will point to people who was previously not charged being charged.

[Passion]

These two seemingly contradictory statements in the article really take the cake!!!

 

If they are so SURE that there cannot be any false positive causing wrongful identification... why is there a need for re-testing??

They are not afraid of wrongful accusation. But more of left out those who are guilty but not detected thru the testing.

[RadX]

Well, if they can mix sperm up...this is nothing...that is how u get DNA anyway

[Passion]

Bro base on your first statement, suspects cannot be compelled to give DNA samples unless under the CLTP Act here?

 

This is something new.

 

Been thinking that anyone arrested here cannot refuse to provide DNA samples required by mata and the authorities...

If you hold pink IC,you cannot reject if requested by the police.if you got special immunity,you can don't comply to the police as they are considered special guest to Singapore and need MFA to grant rights to screen them.

[Mockngbrd]

Y so much kok up after mrt spoil

[JumpySpeedFiend]

Bro base on your first statement, suspects cannot be compelled to give DNA samples unless under the CLTP Act here?

 

This is something new.

 

Been thinking that anyone arrested here cannot refuse to provide DNA samples required by mata and the authorities...

 

Yes Bro. This is what I know. However, after one has been convicted in court for certain serious offence, their DNA can then be taken so that a record will be kept. This is to make it easier to identify repeat offenders.

 

You can refuse to give, but you can't prevent them from obtaining it via other legal means. Think about it.

[JumpySpeedFiend]

-Deleted - Repeated post-

Edited January 4, 2012 by JumpySpeedFiend

[1fast1]

Y so much kok up after mrt spoil

 

Bad Feng Shui from WP?

 

Or bad karma from YP@P and P@P open mouth and put foot inside?

Edited January 4, 2012 by Turboflat4