Forensic DNA
What We Do:
WCTS handles technical and project management tasks needed to develop and optimize laboratory methods for forensic DNA processes.
We conduct multiple high-fidelity applications to analyze biological evidence and provide testing for autosomal STR, Y-STR, and SNP DNA analysis at both CONUS and OCONUS locations. Our forensic exploitation provides critical information for federal and state agencies to bolster their operations.
Our personnel support rapid, deployable, and scalable forensic laboratories which provide defense and security forces with the capability to process critical evidence necessary to proceed with their mission. These scientific and technical practices are used to support Department of Defense and multinational training exercises for technical exploitation.
How We Do It:
WCTS has been contracted to support forensic DNA analysis since 2011. Our subject matter experts have achieved various educations in Biology, Chemistry, and related fields of Biological Science. We have performed countless serological and DNA examinations of reference and casework samples and testified to their results in court.
We perform various laboratory analyses on forensic casework.
- Collect potential DNA samples for subsequent processing and interpretation.
- Maintain chain of custody on thousands of samples during forensic analysis.
- Exploit samples for DNA testing, specializing in touch DNA samples.
- Process samples from extraction through genetic typing or sequencing, utilizing methods and skills that minimize the possibility of sample contamination.
- Analyze DNA sequencing data to detect kinship between individuals.
- Prepare written results suitable for intelligence or prosecutorial packages.
- Efficiently perform manual interpretations on single-source and challenging mixture profiles, as well as utilize STRmix to deconvolute complex mixed DNA profiles and assign statistical significance.
- Validate new laboratory protocols and perform method enhancement/method improvement research to improve laboratory quality and efficiency.
Laboratory Proficiency:
We routinely utilize state-of-the-art forensic laboratory equipment such as Applied Biosystems Thermal Cyclers, Real-Time PCR Systems, Genetic Analyzers (3130, 3500, & SeqStudio), the Illumina MiSeq FGx System, and iScan Microarray. We have experience in Rapid DNA instruments like ANDE and RapidHit 200, along with programs/software such as the Combined DNA Index System, GeneMapper ID-X, GeneMarker, Osiris, and STRMix.
Who we have supported:
- Intelligence Community
Capabilities
- Forensic DNA Analysis of High/Low Quality Samples
- CBRN Sample Processing
- Next Generation Sequencing Processes
- DNA Database Management
- Mobile and Expeditionary Laboratories
- Real-World Collection Training and Exercises
- Applied Forensic Research and Development
- Expert Evaluation/Validation of Rapid DNA Equipment
- High-Throughput Laboratory Automation
Certifications
- All Forensic DNA Staff meet the requirements for DNA Analysts as described by the FBI’s Quality Assurance Standards.