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DNA Solutions has over 20 years of experience supporting partner labs and law enforcement with specialty services. This includes:

• Expert Witness Testimony
• Consultations
• Forensic case review

Often testing performed by a crime lab can result in the need for additional explanation of results, expert case review, a second opinion, or courtroom testimony. Our lab directors are qualified experts available to offer these services at an hourly rate.

For more information on these specialty services, contact DNA Solutions at (866) 362-9778 or dnas@dnasolutionsusa.com.

Relationship testing is based on the science of probability. Probability is defined as the chance of an event occurring. So, what is the chance that two or more individuals are related? While this is a rather straightforward question, there is one other major factor that needs to be considered, the race of the individuals being tested.

Populations around the world have different genetic diversity, therefore, the commonality of their DNA profiles are affected by that diversity. DNA testing can take advantage of this by creating specific testing values within a population. This allows for a more accurate probability of relationship to be determined. However, ONLY ONE population can be used at a time.

At DNA Solutions, the populations used for relationship testing are African, Asian, Caucasian, Hispanic, and Native American. It is imperative that individuals select ONLY ONE of these races, as it allows for specific and timely results to be reported. If none or multiple races are selected, it is not possible to determine the probability of a relationship, and results cannot be reported.

We understand the importance of understanding the results you receive. Available upon request, are handouts explaining results for both paternity and secondary tests. For those interested in a technical explanation behind the statics used to obtain your results, insight into the science of these analyses can be found below.

The 24 relationship markers we are testing are known as STR autosomal DNA markers and originate from the nucleus of a cell. Other than identical twins, no two people have the same autosomal DNA. Each system indicated on your report reflects a specific locus, which is the physical site or specific location on a chromosome. Each locus has repeated motifs, which is a sequence or recurring pattern of the nucleotides found in DNA. The four nucleotides are Adenine, Thymine, Cytosine, and Guanine. The allele number indicated in your report is a value determined by the number of repeats of these four nucleotides (or five for Penta D and E) at each system.

For example, if your DNA represents the following base pairs: ATCG with a repeat of that system five times (ATCG, ATCG, ATCG, ATCG, ATCG) then your report would indicate a value of 5 at that system.

So why are there values for two alleles at each system?

There is a value for each chromosome you inherited from your parents. The report does not indicate which value falls on which chromosome (paternally inherited or maternally inherited) as the values are simply reported with the smallest number first. If you see a blank allele with no value listed, this indicates that you inherited the same number of repeats from each parent, such as 16 and 16 for D3S1358, shown in the example table.

The Relationship Index (RI Value) is a statistical value determined by the likelihood you inherited that allele by descent due to a shared relationship versus the likelihood you inherited that allele from a random person of the same race group. Rare or uncommon alleles will give a higher RI value. Common markers commonly shared among individuals of a specific population, will result in a lower RI Value. RI values of 1 or less can contribute to a low CRI Value. Each RI value is then multiplied together to provide the Combined Relationship Index (CRI). The CRI value will then be converted to a probability of relationship percentage using a statistical equation.

When Can I Expect My Results?

Rapid turnaround time is one of many benefits of working with DNA Solutions. Turnaround time starts upon sample arrival at DNA Solutions. The FedEx billable stamps included in DNA Collection kits provide free overnight priority shipping. If you ship a case on Monday it should arrive at our facility on Tuesday. Cases received on Tuesday with a 1-day turnaround time will be completed by end of day Wednesday. Cases received on Tuesday with a 2-day turnaround time will be completed by end of day Thursday.

Rush Options

We understand how important timely DNA testing results can be. For clients that need expedited results for court dates, peace of mind, birth certificate confirmation or other reasons, DNA Solutions offers RUSH options. Next Day Rush results are provided 1 business day after receipt at DNAS. Same Day Rush results are offered the same day a case is received at DNAS. If you need these services, please contact our facility for a quote.