Study of Familial DNA Searching Policies and Practices: Cost Simulation Tool User Guide

• NCJ Number: 251045
• Date Published: June 2017
• Author(s): Avi Bhati; Sara Debus-Sherrill
• Length: 6 pages
• Grant Number(s): 2013-R2-CX-0013
• Agencies: NIJ-Sponsored
• Publication Type: Legislation/Policy Analysis; Issue Overview; Research (Applied/Empirical)

Annotation

This user guide describes a tool for estimating or simulating expected costs of adopting familial DNA searching (FDS) technology.

Abstract

The FDS Cost Simulation Tool uses two types of information to estimate potential costs: 1) the probability that a FDS request will progress through various stages of the process; and 2) costs associated with each stage during lab processing. The information provided was obtained from interviews and expert advisors from the Study of Familial DNA Searching. The tool has six tabs. An "Introduction" tab provides some overview information about the tool. The "Transitions Data" tab is where users can enter information about DNA case processing. The "Transitions Data Sample" tab is where users can view example data from the study. The "Cost Data" tab is where users can enter information on expected costs associated with various stages of the familial DNA searching process. The "Cost Data Sample" tab is where users can view example data from the study. The "FDS Cost Simulation Tool Summary" provides a summary of estimated costs based on the information entered.