DNA Analysis
It’s as unique as a snowflake, as identifying as fingerprints, and it’s contained in something as small as a flake of dead skin. It’s DNA, and it has transformed the world of investigation through forensic science and analysis. A DNA test has become vital in conducting many investigations.
Deoxyribonucleic acid, to give it its proper title — provides an unprecedented means of discovery that has made this tiny building block of life vitally important to those seeking to establish facts beyond the shadow of a doubt. And Franco Investigation Services is well aware of its primacy when it comes to unlocking many mysteries and the importance of timely and accurate scientific analysis.
ONE OF A KIND
Criminologists have embraced the practice of identifying individuals by way of the unique nature of the genetic blueprint contained within the DNA molecule since the mid nineteen-eighties. And a person’s genetic marker truly is unique. While all human beings share more than 99% of their genetic blueprint with each other, about 0.1 per cent of the human genome varies from one person to the next. Remarkably, that 0.1 per cent constitutes about three million base pairs of DNA which are distinctive from one person to the next. And it’s this distinction that makes human genetic material so important to the investigation process.
This type of evidence has become important and highly valued in certain investigative processes. No one other than identical twins share the exact DNA, which is why this science allows for an unsurpassed means of identification and evidence gathering. An item as small and mundane as a stamp or a cigarette butt can yield saliva, and thus DNA. A DNA test can provide the key to unlock such mysteries as how many people were present at a scene, or were exposed to a piece of clothing, their gender and who is related to whom.
Almost anything can contain DNA. Bedding and linens may contain DNA in the form of hair samples, blood, sweat, or semen. A straw or discarded beverage bottle can contain saliva. A fingernail might yield skin cell samples scraped off a source. A hat or scarf may contain hair, dandruff, or sweat. A used condom might contain evidence of semen or vaginal cells. A Kleenex tissue or Q-tip cotton swab could contain mucus, ear wax or sweat.
Franco Investigation Services’ experts can isolate trace human DNA and from there generate conclusions based on the DNA analysis of those results through a DNA test. Those experts then generate a report validating or confirming information such as gender, familial relationship, and subject identification. Be it suspicion of a cheating spouse where the purpose of an examination may be to establish origin of questionable samples, verify the gender of persons, or establishing the nature or origin of a dried fluid sample, a detailed scientific investigation can help isolate the evidence you need to gain certainty through a DNA test analysis.
PROCEDURE FOR PROTECTING DNA SAMPLE
When a DNA sample is discovered, the sample should be placed in a paper bag or envelope. Plastic bags or other air-tight containers can retain moisture which can cause damage to the sample. Additionally, excessive warmth, direct sunlight, and other environmental conditions can deteriorate samples and should be avoided.
If you have a DNA sample you want analyzed — for example, a questionable stain on an article of clothing — and are seeking the services of qualified DNA examiners, call the experts at Franco Investigation Services in Toronto. We can help arrange to safely secure and transport the sample to our testing facilities, and discuss with you the nature and scope of recommended testing. We’ll help give you information and discuss your options.
In short, Franco Investigation Services can help give you the peace of mind you seek when dealing with some of the most important questions in your life.
