Biology & DNA
Key Forensic Services is the home to dedicated search and recovery teams, DNA analysts and forensic reporting managers.
We offer search and recovery of submissions, comparisons and loading to the National DNA Database®, and our team of DNA reporting managers are experienced in the interpretation and reporting of DNA evidence, regularly offering expert testimony in court.
We are experts in the search, recovery and identification of:
- Blood
- Semen
- Saliva
- Cellular material
- Urine and faeces
- Body tissue
- Fibres
- Hair
- Nail
- Muscle
- Bone
- Teeth
What our Biology & DNA service provides
- DNA analysis and interpretation of DNA profiles generated internally from crime stains (single source/major-minor mixtures/complex mixtures) and reference samples
- Statistical analysis and comparison of DNA profiles generated from crime stains with compatible reference DNA profiles
- Identification, interpretation and recording of blood patterns (BPA) on clothing and other items examined at our laboratories
- Relationship Analysis – DNA profiling for relationship testing for:
-
- Paternity
- Maternity
- Sibling
- Extended relationships (aunt/uncle, niece/nephew, grandparent, grandchild and cousins)
- Forensic Analysis Damage (clothing and fabric material) – related opinions and interpretations examination, assessment and evaluation of a damage item, comparison of damage with suspected instrument (excluding firearms) to determine the likelihood the suspected instrument caused the damage
- KFS recognises the importance to investigators in maximising the value from mixed DNA profiles. To that end, we have invested in world-leading technology STRmix™ to assist in DNA profile interpretation
- We also recognise the growing contribution that supplementary analyses, such as Y-STR profiling, are making to the outcome of sexual offence investigations. We use the best analytical solutions to ensure the best possible outcomes for victims. This Y-STR profiling technique has been granted ISO 17025 accreditation and can be applied across a range of case types. It is most suited to sexual offences where little or no material from the male is detected in routine sampling
We also work with our partners at DNA@Kings at King’s College London to provide specialist DNA services when, on rare occasions, more specialist techniques are required.
