Forensic DNA testing has helped solve many crimes and catch criminals, and can even help to free the wrongfully convicted. Still a relatively new invention, DNA testing has multiple variations of tests that can be conducted depending on what you are looking for in the results.

How Does DNA Testing Work?

DNA is found in blood, semen, saliva, urine, feces, hair, teeth, bone, tissues, and cells. If any of these biological materials are found at a crime scene, they are collected by a forensic DNA analyst. In a complex process using advanced science and machinery, the DNA is extracted from the cell to be analyzed and tested.  For forensic DNA testing, there are three main tests performed to identify a person from a crime scene.

Y-STR: This type is only found on the Y Chromosome in males. This test is useful when it comes to investigating sexual assault evidence or if there is more than one perpetrator to the crime.

Mini-STR: DNA at crime scenes can be minimal or tampered with. This testing system takes a smaller sample and magnifies it so that it can be utilized, helping to solve a lot of cold cases.

Forensic Paternity: This type of test is helpful for crimes like rape or incest. It can also help identify missing persons through family members who are available to be tested through reference samples like a mouth swab.

Quality Forensic DNA Testing

Forensic DNA testing can also be used to expunge someone of a wrongfully convicted crime. There are ways of proving innocence post conviction, like if forensic DNA testing results show that there are no traces of your DNA at the crime scene. Forensic DNA testing services are available from [nw_data field=company]. Call (800) 219-4362 if you have any questions.