Blind testing

In a blind test, analysts do not know they are being tested. In most forensic DNA laboratories, blind tests are not used.

In practice, it is almost impossible to design and implement an effective blind PT (proficiency test) program in forensic science. Most attempts have failed because they could not produce an effective case scenario with realistic representation of the pre-laboratory steps. Others failed because the analyst recognized that the supposed "evidence" was a manufactured artifact. Overall, it has proven impossible to realize the theoretical extra benefits of blind testing, and resources have been devoted to promoting better quality external open tests.