Brian Beresh (left) wants his own DNA expert to examine hair samples gathered at various crime scenes related to the McCanns. (CBC)

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A sidebar legal battle in the Travis Vader first-degree murder trial has been put off for now.

Vader's lawyer Brian Beresh wants his own DNA expert to access highly specialized test results conducted at a lab in Thunder Bay, Ont.

• Travis Vader defence says other suspects will be named during trial

In an affidavit filed with the courts Tuesday, DNA expert Randell Libby of Seattle, Wash., retained by the defence, said it's necessary for him to inspect the Ontario lab personally. 

The judge was expected to deal with the affidavit Thursday. But as the trial resumed, Beresh told the judge the issue may resolve itself.

The Warnex Pro-DNA lab tested the DNA of eight hair samples seized from various crime scenes related to the case, including a barbecue, a pair of jeans, a glove, a blanket, a pillowcase and track pants.

Since none came back as an absolute match to Vader, the Crown prosecutor does not intend to call any of that evidence.

But Beresh has said he believes those samples could lead the defence to other suspects in the case.

Last week, Libby was granted access to the RCMP DNA lab in Edmonton, where he reviewed testing procedures and test results in relation to the case.

Vader is accused of killing Lyle and Marie McCann in 2010. His six-week trial continued Thursday after taking a one day break. 

Beresh has said he plans to call a number of experts to testify in the areas of blood spatter, DNA, hair analysis and fingerprints.

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