a backlog of dna

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a backlog of dna" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to an accumulation of DNA samples or cases that have not yet been processed or analyzed. Example: "The forensic lab is currently facing a significant backlog of DNA, delaying many ongoing investigations."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

3 human-written examples

Their testing is not yet completed, and the state crime lab already has a backlog of DNA samples.

The New York Times

He said the state crime lab already had a backlog of DNA samples, so more money or a slower approach might be in order.

The New York Times

There has been a push to complete a backlog of DNA tests helping pinpoint viable suspects and that keeps officers out of risky investigative situations.

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

57 human-written examples

Attorney General John Ashcroft said the Justice Department would spend $30 million to help states cut a backlog of thousands of DNA samples awaiting analysis at forensic laboratories.

The New York Times

There is a backlog of thousands of pieces of DNA evidence in police labs, and investigators say it will take at least a year to analyze more than 500,000 cubic feet of dirt.

The New York Times

State officials have said they will use the brand new laboratory -- and its $8 million annual budget -- to reduce a backlog of more than 1,100 DNA tests.

The New York Times

Vice-President Joe Biden on Thursday joined the top US prosecutor and the Manhattan district attorney to announce a $79m initiative to end a backlog of untested sexual assault DNA kits.

The Guardian

In New York City, a backlog of more than 17,000 DNA samples from sexual assault and homicide cases from 2001 to 2004 was brought under control when the Police Department hired additional criminalists to work more cases, added overtime, bought analysis equipment and hired private firms to process DNA.

The New York Times

America's Federal Bureau of Investigation alone has a backlog of more than 200,000 unprocessed DNA samples from convicted criminals (about 85% of the samples it has collected during the past six years).

The Economist

PAGE A5 national SNAIL-PACED PROGRESS In Backlog of DNA Evidence Local and state law enforcement agencies have made little progress in reducing a nationwide backlog of DNA evidence samples over the past four years, according to reports filed with the National Institute of Justice.

The New York Times

Mr. Harvey said that when he first joined the Department of Law and Public Safety as the director of criminal justice in 2000, he was troubled by the overwhelming backlog of DNA tests.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When dealing with a "backlog of DNA", make sure to explicitly define the kind of backlog it is, for example "a backlog of untested DNA evidence", or "a backlog of DNA analysis requests"

Common error

Don't assume that "a backlog of DNA" always leads to wrongful convictions or unsolved crimes. While delays can have serious consequences, the specific impact varies depending on the context and resources available.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a backlog of dna" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as the subject or object of a sentence. It describes a state of accumulation or delay in processing DNA samples. Ludwig confirms its usability in written English.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Science

40%

Formal & Business

0%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "a backlog of dna" is a grammatically correct noun phrase that describes an accumulation or delay in processing DNA samples, as confirmed by Ludwig AI. It is most commonly used in news and media, as well as scientific contexts, to highlight issues within law enforcement, forensic science, and criminal justice. When using this phrase, be specific about the impact of the "backlog of DNA" on investigations or justice. Common alternatives include "dna evidence backlog" and "unprocessed dna samples". It is important to avoid generalizations about the impact of a backlog and to ensure clarity in your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

dna evidence backlog

Reorders the words while maintaining the core meaning.

accumulation of dna samples

Replaces "backlog" with a more general term, "accumulation".

delayed dna analysis

Emphasizes the delay in the analysis process.

unprocessed dna samples

Highlights the state of the DNA samples as being unprocessed.

pending dna tests

Highlights the pending nature of the tests.

dna processing delays

Focuses on the delays specifically in DNA processing, rather than the accumulation itself.

dna analysis bottleneck

Uses "bottleneck" to emphasize the obstruction in the analysis process.

unexamined dna profiles

Focuses on the lack of examination of DNA profiles.

untested dna evidence

Focuses on the lack of testing, implying a delay.

long wait for dna results

Shifts the focus to the waiting period for results.

FAQs

How can I use "a backlog of dna" in a sentence?

You can use "a backlog of dna" to describe a situation where there are many DNA samples waiting to be processed. For instance, "The state crime lab is struggling with "a backlog of DNA" samples, which is delaying investigations."

What are some alternatives to "a backlog of dna"?

Alternatives include "unprocessed dna samples", "dna evidence backlog", or "accumulation of dna samples", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Why is there often a "backlog of dna" in forensic labs?

A "backlog of dna" can occur due to various reasons, including limited resources, staffing shortages, increasing numbers of cases requiring DNA analysis, and complex analytical procedures.

What impact does "a backlog of dna" have on criminal investigations?

"A backlog of dna" can delay investigations, potentially leading to suspects remaining free longer, hindering justice for victims, and increasing the risk of evidence degradation.