Expert approaches to foundational testing
Short Tandem Repeat (STR) and Y-chromosome STR (Y-STR) testing are applied to generate reliable DNA profiles, with STRs providing robust identification across individuals and Y-STRs offering male-specific profiling in mixed samples; together, these methods enable accurate results within streamlined workflows that deliver fast turnaround times. These methods are essential for identifying individuals, developing investigative leads, CODIS eligible profiles, and comparing DNA profiles across cases and databases.
STR Analysis
We have validated and work with every commercially available STR kit on the market. Each kit is validated with STRmix. We are the only private laboratory capable of analyzing 5-person DNA mixtures with STRmix.
STR Kits
- PowerPlex Fusion System 5C
- PowerPlex Fusion System 6C
- GlobalFiler Express PCR Amplification Kit
- QIAGEN Investigator 24plex QS
Y-STR Analysis
Y-STR testing is a male-specific DNA analysis method. It is particularly valuable in casework where a female victim’s DNA overwhelms the male DNA, making standard STR testing ineffective. Our laboratory has validated and routinely uses three commercially available Y-STR kits. In addition, we are capable of analyzing Y-STR mixtures involving two to three male contributors.
Y-STR Kits
- PowerPlex Y23 System
- AmpFLSTR Yfiler Plus
- ForenSeq Signature Prep Primer Set B
All testing is conducted using both Applied Biosystems; the latest SeqStudio Flex system and the 3500xl instruments ensuring the highest standards of accuracy and reliability. We have automated our testing kits to achieve high-throughput processing — allowing us to process up to 5,000 samples per month and scale beyond as needed — all while delivering fast, efficient results with quality as our top priority.
Every sample is thoroughly reviewed by our highly skilled analysts and interpreted using STRmix software, a critical tool for DNA mixture deconvolution. Because the majority of casework samples contain DNA mixtures, STRmix is essential to achieving interpretable and actionable results. All DNA profiles developed — whether full or qualified partial profiles — can be entered into our Helix HITS™ Local Database and, when applicable, uploaded into CODIS, providing powerful additional investigative leads.
From complex casework to routine forensic testing, our lab helps agencies move their investigations forward with confidence.
- STR and Y-STR testing to generate reliable DNA profiles.
- CODIS eligible results
- Automated, high-throughput processing.
- Access to the Helix HITS™ local DNA database for added investigative leads at no extra cost.
- Expert DNA analysts, validated methods, and court-ready results you can trust.