Forensic DNA Testing
Linking unsolved crimes. Finding a suspect. Identifying victims of violent crimes or natural disasters. Although traditional forensic methods may help to achieve these goals, the toughest cases would not be solved unless forensic DNA testing technologies are used.
Ensuring a safe, secure environment
DNA Diagnostics Center (DDC) assists law enforcement agencies, private investigators, and legal professionals in finding answers, administering justice, and ensuring a safe, secure environment for everyone. DDC’s forensics team delivers a comprehensive range of services including casework, databasing, forensic paternity, and animal DNA testing.
A team of forensics experts
With a rich experience in DNA testing, DDC forensic scientists are highly qualified experts in their field. The forensics team is led by Dr. Julie Heinig, who worked with the Cuyahoga County Coroner’s office on the Sam Sheppard (The Fugitive) case. DDC’s laboratory director, Dr. Michael Baird, is the first DNA expert to testify in a court case that used DNA as evidence (the Castro case) and has appeared on NBC as a TV consultant on the OJ Simpson case. The rest of the forensics team has undergone rigorous training in specimen handling, chain of custody, and DNA analysis.
State-of-the-art DNA testing
DDC’s state-of-the-art laboratory ensures highly stringent testing procedures and fast turnaround time. We use a variety of PCR-based amplification kits for STR analysis (including the 13 core CODIS loci used by the FBI), Y-STR profiling, and mtDNA sequencing. Our protocols are routinely checked against the strict standards of the forensic community, including those issued by the Director of FBI. Our rich experience in paternity and family relationship testing expands our analytical capabilities in complicated forensic investigations. Our accreditations attest to the high quality of the laboratory services we provide.
Complimentary training and resources
In its committment to assisting law enforcement agencies, DDC has developed an extensive mock crime scene facility and training programs to help investigators ensure the integrity of their DNA evidence collection procedures. DDC provides these complimentary services on-site at the mock crime scene facility in Ohio, and our scientists will travel to clients’ locations upon request. We strive to provide you with the tools and resources you need to obtain quality crime scene evidence for DNA testing. |