Applications

GeneQuest Diagnostics DNA analysis for criminal investigations involving both trial and post-conviction testing, as well as paternity testing, and cases involving mass casualty disasters, missing persons, immigration or cases involving human trafficking relies on a variety of procedures and methodologies within our expertise.

Autosomal Testing of Single and Multi-Source Forensic Samples

Where appropriate, we employ established methodologies for the analysis of both single-source and mixed-contributor samples to assess an individual’s potential contribution to an evidence sample by performing locus-to-locus comparisons of all CODIS/EDNAP approved loci through the use of multiple platform systems, including multiplexed autosomal, as well as  X and Y-linked SNPs loci by both bead array and NextGen sequencing approaches for challenging or compromised samples involving either low quality or low template DNA (LTDNA) through our affiliate partners.

Non-Autosomal Testing of Single Source and Mixed Samples

In situations requiring further investigative lead information, or when STR analysis may not be appropriate, GeneQuest Diagnostics may obtain haplotyping data through use of Illumina’s Infinium iSelect HD ultra-high density array analysis at the X and Y chromosome offering the ability to interrogate essentially any autosomal SNP in order to narrow down the possible pool of contributors.

Mitochondrial Testing

Situations involving limited or highly degraded quantities of DNA, or where no direct or immediate family-related reference is available, may be typed through use of mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) haplotyping methods as numerous copies of the mtDNA genome are readily extractable from each cell thus facilitating a maternally-derived genotypic profile – a particularly useful tool in forensic investigations.

Non-Human Testing

Evidence items suspected of containing canine DNA may be genotyped using Illumina’s highly polymorphic SNP CanineHD BeadChip containing more than 170,000 markers placed on the CanFam2.0 reference sequence developed in collaboration with the LUPA Consortium will allow for the interrogation of genetic variation in most domestic dog breed.