FLORIDA DNA TESTING, PATERNITY TESTING and FORENSICS DNA TESTING

 Scientific Overview 

Deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) is the genetic material present in the cells of all living organisms and is virtually unique to each individual, excluding identical twins. Although comparatively unique, DNA is the same within every cell in a human that contains a nucleus; as such, the DNA in a person's blood is the same as the DNA in their skin cells, semen, saliva, tissue, organs, hairs, teeth, bone and a variety of other materials.   This fact is critical in criminal investigations, in which a profile gleaned from biological material found at a crime scene is compared to a known suspect profile or with a database of existing profiles. If the profiles match at a set of specific DNA regions (markers) then a statistical probability is determined of the likelihood that another person contributed that DNA. For example, the likelihood that any two individuals (except identical twins) will have the same 13-loci DNA profile can be as high as 1 in 1 billion or greater.

Florida Forensics offers Nuclear and Mitochondrial DNA Analysis 

STR analysis - allows us to evaluate specific regions (loci) that are found on nuclear DNA. The variable (polymorphic) nature of the STR regions that are analyzed for forensic testing intensifies the discrimination between one DNA profile and another. The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) has selected a core set of 13 specific STR loci to serve as the standard for analysis. The frequency of the variants at these loci provide the basis for the statistical strength of any match. Upon completion of the testing, a report is prepared which details the loci present, compares those to the known standard and gives statistics as to how rare the profile is within the general population.

Y-STR analysis - A second, alternative type of nuclear DNA analysis is the Y-STR test, which utilizes genetic markers on the Y chromosome that have forensic utility.  These Y-chromosome markers target only the male fraction of a biological sample; therefore, this technique is utilized when a laboratory detects complex mixtures (multiple male contributors) within a sample and is particularly valuable in rape investigations. Because the Y chromosome is transmitted directly from a father to all of his sons, it can also be used to trace family relationships among males. Advancements in Y-chromosome testing are particularly useful in evaluating samples with aspermic or vasectomized males where the separation of male and female components of a biological stain is not possible.

 

Mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) analysis  - allows forensic laboratories to develop DNA profiles from evidence that may not be suitable for nuclear analysis. While the above techniques analyze DNA extracted from the nucleus of a cell, mtDNA technology analyzes DNA found in a different part of the cell, the mitochondrion. There are significantly more mitochondrion than nuclei in each cell, allowing for profile creation even in the absence of nuclei. For this reason, aged evidence and evidence lacking or with minimal nucleated cells--such as hair shafts, bones, and teeth-- may yield results if mtDNA analysis is performed.

Do you have questions? We have answers! Discover the truth with DNA!

DNA can be obtained  from the following evidence:

• Infidelity
• Theft
• Poison pen letters
• Rape
• Murder
• Assault
• Breaking and Entering

To discover the truth in your specific case simply submit your items according to the Evidence Submission  Guidelines seen below.

EVIDENCE SUBMISSION GUIDELINES:

1. Air dry evidence before packing
2. Do not handle evidence with bare hands
3. Do not let two items of evidence come in contact with each other
4. Avoid excessive exposure to heat and humidity- refrigerate or freeze if possible
5. Package evidence in paper bags or envelopes do not use plastic bags
6. Package different pieces of evidence separately
7. Ship evidence in dry ice or leak proof ice package

SUBMITTING A CASE:

Please follow all Evidence Submission Guidelines when submitting evidence.

1. Contact Florida Forensics for an evidence submission form and to schedule a courier pickup. 
2. Please print  and complete the forms.
3. Return the Evidence Submission form with our courier to Florida Forensics.
4. Please enclose the initial payment when mailing or sending forms back to Florida Forensics, or charge payment over the phone. Initial payment must be recieved  before the test is run.
5. We accept evidence by hand or through overnight carrier. Please contact us at:(904) 861-0099 if you have any questions about submitting evidence.