STR • Y-STR • MiniSTR • Mitochondrial DNA

Warnex PRO-DNA Services offers advanced technology and expertise in the field of forensic DNA testing. We are the only private laboratory in Canada providing all four types of forensic DNA analyses: STR, Y-STR, miniSTR, and mitochondrial DNA. We also offer tests for the identification of biological fluids (blood, semen, and saliva). Our qualified team of specialists provide high quality results required when presenting in a court of law and have given expert testimony for both nuclear and mitochondrial DNA technologies in Canadian and U.S. courts.

Advances in DNA testing technology make it possible to match biological evidence to a given individual with certainty or, conversely, to exclude persons of interest. Forensic DNA testing can be used for the identification of criminals or victims in a variety of circumstances, including homicides, sexual assaults, and other criminal offences. DNA testing can also assist in the exoneration of those wrongly convicted. In addition, DNA testing can be useful for resolving legal disputes concerning professional liability and estate issues.

Technologies

STR

STRs are short tandem repeats found in nuclear DNA which are very variable from one individual to another. The analysis of several STRs leads to a true genetic fingerprint that is unique to each individual (except for identical twins). STR analysis is the standard method used for determining genetic profiles in forensic cases. This technology is very precise and requires very small amounts of DNA.

Y-STR

A Y-STR is a short tandem repeat (STR) located on the Y chromosome and is used only to detect male DNA. This technology is particularly useful for the analysis of evidence with complex mixtures of male and female DNA since it isolates the male profile (ex. sexual assault swabs or fingernail clippings). Y-STR can also be used as a complementary analysis when regular STR technology results cannot be interpreted.

MiniSTR

MiniSTR is similar to standard STR except that the targeted regions are of smaller size. Consequently, miniSTR is useful for the analysis of biological evidence that is found to contain degraded DNA. MiniSTR allows us to add information to incomplete genetic profiles or to establish a genetic profile in cases where standard STR methods failed.

Mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA)

There are two types of DNA in biological samples: nuclear DNA (located in the cell’s nucleus) and mitochondrial DNA (located in the cell’s mitochondria). Contrary to nuclear DNA which is passed on to children by both parents, mtDNA is transmitted only by the mother.

MtDNA testing can provide critical results in cases where nuclear DNA testing is not possible. For example, mtDNA is used for testing shed hair (without roots) collected at crime scenes, skeletal remains for the identification of missing persons, or when a sample yields insufficient nuclear DNA for STR, miniSTR, or Y-STR testing. In some cases, mtDNA analysis is the only method that can be used to obtain genetic information for the identification of biological evidence.

MtDNA results provide same degree of certainty as nuclear DNA when there is exclusion. For example, the mtDNA profile of shed hairs collected at a crime scene or from a victim’s body can exclude a suspect (or his/her maternal lineage) with 100% certainty. If the hairs cannot be excluded as originating from a suspect (mtDNA match), then the probability of a random unrelated person having this mtDNA profile is evaluated. Although match statistics from mtDNA are not as powerful as those reported for nuclear DNA, the genetic evidence is statistically significant and admissible in court. MtDNA cases have been successfully adjudicated in Canadian and U.S. courts.

Contamination Control Facility

Warnex PRO-DNA Services has specially designed laboratories, dedicated equipment, and controlled procedures to successfully produce probative DNA results, even in cases where available samples are degraded or contain very few cells (ex. bone, shed hair, teeth, expended cartridges).

Warnex PRO-DNA Services has a state-of-the-art contamination control facility. This facility helps eliminate potential sources of contamination that could invalidate test results. These contamination control measures are extremely important for all DNA testing, and especially when performing mtDNA testing.

Warnex is committed to quality and accuracy. We ensure samples are controlled by a strict chain of custody and our DNA typing procedures use only internationally recognized and validated genetic markers – the same used by the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP), the Ontario Centre of Forensic Science (CFS), Sûreté du Québec (SQ), and the U.S. Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI). However, mtDNA testing is not offered by any federal or provincial laboratories in Canada.

Accreditations

Warnex PRO-DNA Services is accredited by the Standards Council of Canada (SCC) for DNA analysis under the following programs:

  • ISO 17025/CAN-P-4E – General Requirements for the Competence of Testing and Calibration Laboratories
  • CAN-P-1578 – Guidelines for the Accreditation of Forensic Testing Laboratories

To view the complete scope of accreditation, click here.

Warnex PRO-DNA Services is also accredited by the American Society of Crime Lab Directors/Laboratory Accreditation Board - International® (ASCLD/LAB-International®) for forensic science testing. To view the complete scope of accreditation, click here.

Evidence/Sample Types

Samples and evidence that can be analyzed include:

  • Samples with no nuclear DNA or insufficient DNA
  • Expended cartridges/fired shell casings
  • Shed hairs (without follicles or roots)
  • Hair follicles (pulled hair)
  • Skeletal remains including bones, teeth and hair
  • DNA from fingerprints, including smudged fingerprints
  • Skin cells on any surface
  • Blood and blood stains on any surface
  • Saliva (ex. from a mug, cigarette butts, chewing gum, stamps and envelopes)
  • Semen and vaginal swabs
  • Body tissues and biopsy tissues
  • Mixed stains
  • Unknown samples to determine their human origin

Free Consultation

Warnex PRO-DNA Services encourages clients to submit previous DNA test reports and lists of items. We will provide free consultation to help identify more items that could potentially be suitable for further DNA work using one or more of Warnex’s DNA technologies.

In addition, Warnex offers the following forensic consultation services (for a fee):

  • Review of cold case files or unsolved homicide investigation files for DNA work
  • Expert opinion regarding a DNA report and disclosure filed as evidence in court, with a supporting reference document that states observations and conclusions
  • Assessment of an entire DNA file in order to verify whether all persons involved in collecting samples, preparing the DNA, performing the analysis and interpreting the results, have respected the necessary standards and followed rigorous protocols

Results

Nuclear DNA results are provided within 10 business days and mtDNA results are provided within 30 business days from the date of sample receipt and testing instructions.

Cost

Warnex performs a preliminary evaluation of the case to establish the scope of the forensic assessment and the fees involved. Quotes are provided on a case by case basis.

Brochure

How to Order

Online

E-mail us at forensics@prodna.ca.

Telephone

Call us at (807) 344-7666 or toll-free at 1-877-665-9753.