DNA lab scrambles to recruit scientists, clear backlog

Shannon Fentiman denies it will take more than a decade to clear backlogged cases in Queensland. (Darren England/AAP PHOTOS) (AAP)

Queensland's state-run forensic lab is scrambling to hire more scientists to handle a massive backlog involving more than 30,000 confirmed cases.

However Health Minister Shannon Fentiman has denied reports it would take more than a decade to clear the cases embroiled in the bungle, saying not all affected criminal prosecutions turn on DNA evidence.