With new swabbing techniques and the latest software called STRmix™, DNA Labs International can now solve more gun cases than ever before.
Deerfield Beach, FL (July 2016) – DNA Labs International, a specialist in forensic casework for law enforcement agencies, attorneys and government forensic labs, can aid law enforcement in gun possession investigations by using new swabbing techniques and the latest software, STRmix™.
The success rate of obtaining good, useable DNA profiles from firearms is dependent on effective swabbing/collection techniques. DNA Labs Internationals recovers DNA profiles on over 50 percent of gun cases.
40 percent of DNA profiles are developed from the front and rear sights. When the front and rear sights of the firearm are swabbed separately from the rest of the gun, better DNA results can be developed.* 50 percent of DNA profiles are developed from the combined grip/trigger/slide/guard, while 10 percent of DNA profiles are from the combined magazine/cartridge.
In addition to swabbing techniques, STRmix has played an integral role in solving more gun possession cases than ever before. Since many gun cases result in a DNA mixture, STRmix, an expert forensic software system, is often the only option for resolving these complex profiles. DNA Labs International has had a 98 percent success rate for resolving complex mixtures since utilizing STRmix with gun possession casework.
DNA Labs International is the first private forensic lab and the fifth lab in the country to validate STRmix. Developed by world leaders in the forensic field, STRmix uses a fully continuous approach to DNA profile interpretation, resolving complex DNA mixtures with no restriction on the number of contributors (works best with mixtures of five people or less). This is a major advancement for cases where there are no suspects and there is DNA from multiple people in one sample. STRmix analysis and testimony have already been presented and accepted in various court cases across the US.
With STRmix, DNA Labs International can now use more of the information within a DNA profile to get better, faster results. Profiles can be compared against a person of interest and calculate a likelihood ratio and complex, mixed DNA profiles can be searched against a database. It is especially useful for gun possession and sexual assault casework. STRmix results are also far superior to Y-STR results.
STRmix was developed by the New Zealand Crown research institute ESR, with Forensic Science South Australia (FSSA) and has been in use since 2012.
For more information on STRmix, visit DNA Labs International. To inquire about using STRmix to analyze a DNA sample in your gun possession investigation, contact Danielle Gluth at dani@dnalabsinternational.com. Stay up-to-date on the latest in forensics by following DNA Labs International on Facebook and LinkedIn.
*Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives Case Study employed the method of separating swabs. – DNA Analysis on Firearms: A Summary of Six Years of Experience at the ATF Laboratory. Steven Weitz, Todd Bille, Emily Head, Sarah-Catherine Dannelly. 2007-2012 Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives Forensic Science Laboratory – Washington
About DNA Labs International:
Since 2004, DNA Labs International has been providing clients with exceptional quality service based on open communications, equal attention to the importance of every case and accurate and reliable results every time. DNA Labs International is proudly built on 30 years of experience in forensic serology and DNA analysis – from identification of biological fluids to DNA analysis. They provide the latest technology available to solve your case; such as the M-VAC®, a wet vacuum DNA collection tool and STRmix™, a software program that can solve previously inconclusive DNA results. DNA Labs International is accredited by ANSI-ASQ National Accreditation Board (ANAB), the country’s longest established provider of ISO 17025 accreditation to Forensic Sciences testing laboratories in the U.S. www.dnalabsinternational.com
