Forensic DNA Testing

Frequently, DNA testing can be the single most important factor used by the courts to determine guilt or innocence. Similarly, other forensic analyses can provide the critical information in a criminal case, a product tampering incident, an accident or crime investigation or a civil trial.

NMS Labs utilizes a consultative approach to handling cases that promotes a high level of client-to-scientist interaction. This ensures clients the best opportunity to understand and interpret the forensic serology and DNA findings. By performing the appropriate testing on the evidentiary material, the client can have a full understanding and interpretation of the physical evidence and its importance to each case.

NMS Labs uses the 13 core STR markers needed for compatibility with the CODIS system. Just as importantly, our scientists handle the most challenging cases while maintaining a strict chain of custody and confidentiality for all cases.

NMS Labs’ forensic DNA analysis can be applied to:

Criminal Casework

• Identification of evidence to assist in the exoneration or conviction of a suspect involved in a homicide, burglary, assault/battery, sexual assault, or other criminal activity

Sample Identification

• Matching donor DNA to drug screening test samples to resolve sample-switch allegations
• Matching donor DNA to a biological sample submitted for laboratory testing when a patient’s clinical presentation does not match the laboratory results
• Matching pathology slides or tissue samples to donor

Y-STR

NMS Labs has expanded its forensic DNA analytical capabilities to include Y-STRs. Y-STRs are short tandem repeats that are found only on the Y chromosome. As such, it is passed from father to son, with no affect from the mother. Thus, Y-STR analysis is useful when:

• There is highly disproportionate mixture of DNA, where an overwhelming amount of female DNA is "masking" a small trace of male DNA
• Dealing with cases of rape or incest that has resulted in a pregnancy, where Y-STR analysis of a male embryo's DNA can link a suspect
• There is a possible genetic link between a male suspect and a male kin
• Trying to establish familial relationships along paternal lines (i.e., descendancy from a male lineage)

Since there is no change from father to son, Y-STR analysis cannot be used to differentiate between father and son, between two sons from the same father, between grandfather and grandson, or any two individuals who share an unbroken paternal link.

Other Applications

• Forensic analysis in an investigation
• Identification of biological materials
• Product tampering investigations
• Assessment of physical evidence

Sources of DNA

• Body Fluids — Blood, urine, saliva, semen, vaginal secretions, perspiration, etc.
• Tissue — Skin cells, hair, bone, teeth, buccal cells, muscle, organs, fingernails, feces, etc.
• Others — Cigarette butts, drinking straws, toothpicks, toothbrushes, facial tissue, cotton swab, partially-eaten food, envelopes, drinking containers, etc.

Serological Tests

• Blood Identification
• Semen Identification
• Vaginal Fluid Characterization
• Saliva Identification
• Urine Characterization
• Feces Characterization

« Return to Forensic Services