Specialized Services

DNA Labs International provides local, state and federal crime labs with outsourced accredited DNA forensic analysis to help solve cold cases and work convicted offender samples for inclusion in the national database.

DNA Labs International was founded by a Board Certified Fellow in Molecular Biology with over two decades of experience in Forensic Serology and DNA Analysis in State Crime Labs.

Our mission is to help our clients reduce both their no suspect casework and their convicted offender DNA backlogs in a timely, accurate and cost effective manner. To do this we created an organization based on industry best practices from over 30 State Crime Labs.

DNA Labs International is accredited by the Forensic Quality Services - International division of the National Forensic Science and Technology Center (NFSTC), which inspects U.S. laboratories for adherence to standards set by the International Organization for Standardization (ISO) and the DNA Advisory Board (established by the Director of the FBI). DNA Labs International complies with the requirements of ISO/IEC 17025:2005 and Forensic Requirements for Accreditation (FRA 1 and FRA 2).

DNA Labs International applies state-of-the-art technology to obtain accurate results in the area of forensics and general bodily fluid identification. Our lab technicians use the latest technology - Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR), Short Tandem Repeats (STR) and real-time PCR - to identify and test DNA and analyze the results. The following kits and instrumentation are utilized in our laboratory so that we can provide our clients and partners with the most accurate and reliable results and quick turnaround times:

Quantifiler® Human DNA Quantification Kit
Through Quantifiler® kits we are able to determine with a high degree of accuracy, whether DNA is present in a sample and at what quantity.

Quantifiler® Y Human Male DNA Quantification Kit

This kit specifically quantifies the amount of amplifiable human male DNA that is present in a sample. Internal PCR control is formulated into each reaction to identify samples that may contain PCR inhibitors.  

MiniFiler™

MiniFiler™ is the world's first commercially available miniSTR kit, the AmpFLSTR® MiniFiler™ PCR Amplification Kit increases the ability to obtain DNA results from compromised samples that previously would have yielded limited or no genetic data. This means cold cases can come off the shelf for re-analysis and new, challenging samples have a better chance of delivering interpretable results. It is through this type of advanced technology that we are able to process low quantities of skin cell samples, more commonly known as touch DNA or contact DNA.

AmpFLSTR® Identifiler® PCR Amplification Kit
The method of Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) allows the analyst to copy (amplify) very specific sections of the chromosome resulting in over a million fold increase in the amount of that specific region of interest. The AmpFLSTR® Identifiler® PCR Amplification Kit is utilized to simultaneously amplify 15 STR loci plus the amelogenin gender determining marker in a single amplification.

AmpFLSTR® Profiler Plus® PCR Amplification Kit

The Profiler Plus® combines the advantages of PCR-based testing and fluorescence detection into a highly discriminating kit designed for human identification applications. The AmpFLSTR® Profiler Plus® PCR Amplification Kit amplifies nine tetranucleotide short tandem repeat (STR) loci and the Amelogenin locus in a single reaction tube.
    
AmpFLSTR COfiler® PCR Amplification Kit

The COfiler® complements the existing Profiler Plus®. The two kits provide us with the ability to generate information for all 13 core STR loci required by the Combined DNA Index System (CODIS) database in just two PCR amplifications. The Profiler Plus® kit amplifies nine of the selected STR loci. The COfiler® kit amplifies the four remaining STR loci (CSF1P0, D16S539, Th01, and TP0X) as well as two STR loci D3S1358 and D7S820, also found in the Profiler Plus kit. The overlap of the two STR loci and the Amelogenin locus provides us with the confidence that both reactions have amplified the same sample. 

PowerPlex® 16 System

The PowerPlex® 16 System is a multiplex STR system for use in DNA typing, including paternity testing, forensic DNA analysis, human identity testing and tissue culture strain identification. The system allows the co-amplification and three-color detection of sixteen loci (fifteen STR loci and Amelogenin). 

Applied Biosystems 3130 Genetic Analyzer
Sequencing and fragment analysis runs are carried out with minimal amounts of DNA. The Capillary Electrophoresis (CE) instrument separates the amplified DNA fragments by size. In combination with the internal lane standard, it allows accurate sizing of the fragments, which are subsequently compared to the allelic ladder to determine the fragment allele.

GeneMapper® Software
Once the DNA has been run through the AB 3130 the raw data must be processed. This is accomplished using GeneMapper ID software, automated genotyping software designed specifically for AmpFLSTR data analysis that can also be used for other DNA applications.

This technology, coupled with the knowledge and experience of our staff, allows us to effectively carry out our mission: T o help our clients reduce both their no suspect casework and convicted offender DNA backlogs in a timely, accurate and cost effective manner.

In addition to Forensic DNA Analysis we are proud to offer the following services:

Quantification and Screening - Quantification with no results reduces client's costs if no DNA detected.   Now the machine can tell before they get going - and you don't have to charge the full amount.

Expert Witness Testimony - DNA Labs International has more than 30 years experience in forensic serology and DNA analysis. We have been court-qualified experts in the field of DNA in state, federal and international courts of law.

DNA Casework Technical Review - All cases are independently reviewed by a second qualified DNA analyst to ensure top quality results.

DNA Identity Analysis - Civil Cases - DNA Labs International provides analysis of DNA or untested biological fluids and preparation of evidence for civil case depositions, hearings and trials.

Technical Analyst Lab Training with Certification - DNA Labs International provides Technical Analyst Lab training with Certification by...

                      Preliminary examination for bodily fluids
                      Data analysis and
                      Statistical interpretation
                      DNA extraction
                      DNA amplification

Kits and Instrument Validation - Pre-prepared validation kits customized for individual labs meeting FBI Quality Assurance Audit Document standards, we can provide detailed Standard Operating Procedures (SOP) plus detailed validation write-up summaries, safety procedure manual, quality assurance manuals and maintenance guidelines.  All documentation meets lab accreditation standards.

Equipment Training - DNA Labs International provides training for the Applied Biosystems (AB) Real-time PCR; 3100 and 3130 Genetic Analyzer.