DNA profiling & forensic uses of DNA analysis
Forensic Access offers services for the “search and recovery” of DNA and profiling in its own DNA profiling laboratories
DNA profiling (“DNA analysis” or “DNA testing”) and the interpretation of DNA profiles, in a forensic context, is used extensively in both the detection and prosecution of crime as well as being used by the defence to help ensure that prosecutions are safe. Forensic Access also offers DNA testing services to private individuals and for industrial enquiries.
With the ever increasing ability of forensic science providers to detect smaller traces of DNA, the need to consider all the circumstances surrounding how the DNA was collected and the profile obtained becomes more significant. In addition and often more crucially, when and how that DNA could have been deposited onto the surface tested, is of paramount importance.
Forensic Access scientists have considerable expertise and casework experience, from both a police and a defence background, in the application of DNA profiling. This DNA analysis expertise is also offered to our private and industrial customers. The opening of our own DNA Profiling Unit, in York, in 2012, enables us to offer a complete DNA service as described on this page.
Search For & Recovery Of DNA
Our forensic biologists are all highly experienced at searching items for body fluids and other human traces, such as blood, semen, saliva and hairs. We have DNA-secure “search and recovery” laboratories at both our Lockinge and York sites.
Recovered material is then submitted to our own DNA profiling unit (see below) where our expert DNA scientists can use a range of DNA profiling techniques to obtain a DNA profile.
DNA Interpretation
As ever smaller amounts of DNA are now being detected, the interpretation of any DNA profile we produce is extremely important and can only be carried out by the most experienced forensic scientists. Our scientists are all competent and used to interpreting difficult profiles such as mixtures of DNA profiles and low level profiles. The way this evidence is presented in Court is also developing continuously and in early 2013 rulings in the cases of: R v Kuba Dlugosz: 2011/04122/C2, R v Pickering: 2012/03728/B1, R v MDS: 2012/02955/D4 clarified some of these complex issues. (Our scientists have been involved in helping train other members of the Criminal Justice System in the impact of these rulings.)
DNA Profiling Service
In early 2013 we opened our own DNA profiling unit at our York site. The laboratory is within the highly secure site of the Government’s Food & Environment Research Agency (FERA) and is equipped with state-of-the-art DNA profiling equipment. See our DNA Profiling Laboratory page for more information.
Our DNA Search & Recovery and Profiling Services
In summary, our experienced forensic biologists and DNA profiling experts can provide you with:
search and recovery of body fluids and other sources of DNA;
- search and recovery of a wide range of items for body fluids and other sources of DNA;
- routine STR (DNA) profiling (SGM+, Identifiler, Profiler plus);
- specialist DNA profiling techniques including LCN, 3100 enhancement, DNA SenCE; Y STR profiling, mitochondrial DNA profiling;
- interpreting the DNA results in the overall context of a case, including:
- undertaking match probability interpretation
- complex statistical analysis of mixed DNA profiles
- interpretation of DNA profiles where no statistic can be applied.
- reviewing procedures, continuity and integrity of items;
- preparing reports, attending case conferences and presenting our evidence in court.
Our associated DNA testing facilities provide us with world-leading forensic DNA techniques in both standard STR profiling and the specialist DNA services listed above, giving us the ability to re-test samples or to profile stains not previously considered in a case.
Our forensic DNA profiling experts
Click on the names below to read the profiles of our forensic DNA experts:
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Tony Blick | ||
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Stacey Leadbeater |
Our forensic biology experts
Click on the names below to read the profiles of our forensic biologists:
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Philip Avenell | ||
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Caroline Crawford | ||
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Clare Jarman |
Contact Forensic Access
If you want to find out how we can support your major crime work, please contact Forensic Access.
