Contamination Detection: DNA Elimination Samples FSR-GUI-0019
Summary
The Forensic Science Regulator (FSR) has published guidance FSR-GUI-0019 on providing DNA elimination samples to detect inadvertent DNA contamination by staff within the criminal justice system. The guidance applies to organisations in England and Wales whose staff process items for DNA profiling. This guidance is advisory and does not impose mandatory compliance requirements.
What changed
The Forensic Science Regulator (FSR) published guidance FSR-GUI-0019 on providing DNA elimination samples to detect inadvertent contamination by staff who pose a DNA contamination risk to items processed for DNA profiling within the criminal justice system in England and Wales. The guidance applies to organisations whose staff handle evidence for DNA profiling.
For affected organisations, this guidance provides recommended practices for establishing DNA elimination sample programmes to identify when contamination may have occurred. While non-binding, organisations should consider implementing the recommended procedures to maintain laboratory integrity and ensure the validity of DNA evidence used in criminal proceedings.
What to do next
- Monitor for updates to FSR-GUI-0019 guidance
Archived snapshot
Apr 15, 2026GovPing captured this document from the original source. If the source has since changed or been removed, this is the text as it existed at that time.
Guidance
Contamination detection: DNA elimination samples (FSR-GUI-0019)
Guidance on providing DNA elimination samples to detect inadvertent contamination by staff who pose a DNA contamination risk within the criminal justice system.
From: Forensic Science Regulator Published 20 February 2026 Get emails about this page
Applies to England and Wales
Documents
Contamination Detection: DNA Elimination Samples (accessible)
Ref: FSR-GUI-0019
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Contamination Detection: DNA Elimination Samples
Ref: FSR-GUI-0019
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Details
This document gives guidance and advice on providing DNA elimination samples to detect inadvertent contamination.
It applies to organisations whose staff pose a risk of DNA contamination to items processed for DNA profiling delivered into the criminal justice system in England and Wales.
Updates to this page
Published 20 February 2026
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