Forensic Investigative Genetic Genealogy
Without a CODIS identification, FIGG offers another powerful path to answers.
Forensic Investigative Genetic Genealogy (FIGG) utilizes traditional genealogy research to determine relationships and identify a person of interest in a forensic investigation. Though often considered a cold case technique, FIGG is useful in generating additional leads in any case where traditional DNA methods have not yielded a hit. With this technology, cases no longer need to go cold.
DNA Labs International is the only private forensic laboratory offering a full suite of innovative technologies for FIGG analysis in-house, with whole genome sequencing, targeted sequencing, and SNP array. Combined with our proprietary method of triaging downstream SNP analysis, our DLI bioinformatics pipeline, and our experienced team of genealogists, DNA Labs International has the best technology for all your FIGG cases from start to finish.
SNP testing – Choose the best method from a full in-house technology suite
How IT works: the DLI difference for FIGG
SNP triage™ — optimize success before you test
There are many different ways to perform FIGG, but not all methods are best for your case. DNA Labs International is the only laboratory to provide SNP triage™, a comprehensive analysis used to recommend the best downstream SNP testing strategy for each sample. Comprised of a holistic evaluation of key factors such as DNA quantity and quality, bacterial contamination, and shallow sequencing, we use the results from SNP triage to determine the best method of SNP analysis that can provide actionable hits.
There are three main ways to perform SNP analysis for FIGG: Whole Genome Sequencing (WGS), targeted sequencing with ForenSeq Kintelligence, and SNP array. Which method is used should be determined by the evidence, not limited by the capabilities of the lab. DNA Labs International is the only laboratory to have all three in-house, giving your cases the best chance of success. We follow ANAB and ISO/IEC 17025:2017 standards for forensic testing, ensuring your FIGG results can be used in court.
Whole Genome Sequencing
WGS is the most powerful method of generating a SNP profile for FIGG. It is best suited for challenging sample types and typically produces the most distant genetic associations. We use the most sensitive industry assay available, designed for generating profiles from ancient DNA, and can even analyze mixtures with this powerful approach.
- Targets over 500,000 SNPs
- Best for challenging samples
- Uses the Illumina NovaSeq 6000
SNP Array
The whole genome SNP array is the original method of generating a SNP profile for FIGG testing. It is the most cost-effective option for high-quality, single-source samples such as body fluids and is ideal for target or reference testing. DNA Labs International offers in-house reference testing at a low cost using our Secure SNP™ kit for security and convenience.
- Targets over 500,000 SNPs
- Best for target and reference testing
- Uses the Illumina iScan
ForenSeq Kintelligence
ForenSeq Kintelligence is the most effective method for generating investigative leads for samples highly contaminated with non-human DNA or degraded samples. We have successfully retrieved leads from samples with a degradation index in excess of 1000.
- Targets over 10,230 human-specific SNPs
- Best for contaminated or low-quality samples
- Free uploads to genealogy databases
- Uses the MiSeq FGx Sequencing System
DLI bioinformatics pipelines
Unlocking more answers for your FIGG data
The DLI bioinformatics pipelines for FIGG analysis consistently produces better results for SNP data. Where other pipelines may result in insufficient data, “matchy” kits, or profiles that cannot be uploaded to public ancestry databases, the DLI bioinformatics pipeline is custom-built by renowned bioinformaticians in house and continues to be optimized for the most challenging forensic samples to ensure high-quality results.
- Standalone reanalysis of raw data from previous services available
- Custom built by renowned bioinformaticians for optimal data analysis
- Performs quality analysis to ensure database compatibility and upload
Genealogy research— Diversity makes the difference
Once the SNP profile is produced and initial analysis is complete, our team of professional genealogists will upload the data to the approved databases and perform genealogy research. DNA Labs International has been growing our international genealogy team since 2018 with a diverse set of skills and specialties, making them uniquely qualified to research genetic associations amongst challenging populations. Whether you need genealogy research on its own or in addition to advanced SNP testing, our experts work strategically to uncover meaningful investigative leads and build family trees that can help solve your cases faster and more effectively.
- Skilled team of genealogists specializing in diverse populations
- Genealogy research is available as a standalone service or integrated with SNP testing
- Strategic research approach to uncover critical genetic associations
At DNA Labs International, we bring together cutting-edge technology, advanced bioinformatics, and a highly skilled team of genealogists to deliver the most comprehensive FIGG services available. From SNP triage™ to a full in-house testing suite and expert genealogy research, our genealogy solution ensures the highest chance of generating actionable leads. With every case, our goal is the same: to help agencies uncover answers, move investigations forward, and bring resolution to cases.
Genealogy
solution at DLI
- Comprehensive in-house capabilities, including proprietary evidence triaging method, whole genome sequencing, ForenSeq Kintelligence, SNP array, and advanced bioinformatics.
- A diverse team of expert genealogists and renowned bioinformaticians delivering reliable, court-ready results.
- Optimized strategies for degraded, contaminated, or complex samples to generate meaningful investigative leads in both cold and active cases with no CODIS hit.
- Analysts specialized in NGS and Array technologies that are court-ready for the most challenging cases.