Services
DNA
DNA analysis has become a cornerstone of
modern forensic science and, since 1989, LGC has devoted a
substantial amount of its innovation effort to developing new DNA
technologies for forensics. LGC Forensics offers an extended range
of forensic DNA techniques covering all routine and specialist
analyses.
Our Criminal Justice laboratories use new,
automated platforms to provide rapid, cost effective DNA profiling
of mouth swabs and other personal reference samples, with results
loaded to the National DNA Database or provided directly to
individual forces or to other customers as appropriate. We
conduct mass screening of local populations in specific enquiries
and we upgrade ‘old’
SGM
results to the newer SGM+
system where required. Our success rates routinely exceed the
Association of Chief Police Officers (ACPO)
guidelines.
Our DNA crime stain laboratories provide the
complementary analysis of DNA in body fluid stains or in hairs,
skin flakes etc. on garments and a wide range of other items and
surfaces. This includes non visible traces of DNA, for example from
sweat and skin flakes on the inside of garments and footwear where
the wearer may be in doubt, from tools, drinking vessels and
discarded cigarette ends or from anything else that may have been
touched during the course of an incident and of potential relevence
to an investigation. Again, our services are notable for
exceptionally high success rates, rapid turnaround times and
competitive pricing.
For specific initiatives or more complex
investigations, LGC Forensics has developed a rich portfolio of
specialist DNA techniques. In combination, these provide our
scientists with the best chance of eliciting information from
samples of DNA – however small, mixed or degraded these might
be. They include:
- DNA SenCE – which enables DNA profiles to be obtained from
truly tiny traces of DNA avoiding some of the problems
traditionally associated with this
-
YSTRs
–
for determining male only DNA especially useful in mixed
male/female samples where sexual assault is alleged
- Familial searching - of the National DNA Database with results
ranked in order of interest
- Mitochondrial DNA profiling – for old or degraded samples or to
trace family connections down the female line.
All LGC Forensics DNA services can be provided
on an urgent basis to meet the needs of our customers.
LGC Forensics also provides a paternity testing
service through its partner NorthGene, who have
been providing paternity testing services for over 30 years.