Forensic Services Division

Tetracore’s Forensic Services Division is pleased to announce that it now offers forensic investigative genealogy using state-of-the-art next-generation sequencing technology. Every case is unique, so we provide a wide range of human DNA analysis methods tailored to obtain the highest quality data from the sample. With our advanced testing, excellence is imperative, which is why we are compliant for ISO/IEC 17025:2017, and currently seeking accreditation for the FBI Quality Assurance Standards. We pride ourselves on processing samples to obtain the most informative results for challenging questions.

Our Experience

Since 1998, Tetracore has used the latest and most trusted chemistries to deliver DNA results from low-level and degraded samples. Results that are fast, high-quality, and reliable. We accommodate urgent requests with expedited turnaround times, through active communication and continued dialogue from start to finish. We work closely with our customers to ensure all their requests are addressed with the goal of obtaining the most information while maintaining quality.

Our capabilities include:

• Next-generation sequencing
  • FIGG SNP generation using ForenSeq Kintelligence
  • FIGG SNP generation using Whole Genome Sequencing (WGS) powered by Astrea SRSLY AF
  • Identity, ancestry, and phenotype testing with ForenSeq Signature Prep
  • Whole genome mitochondrial DNA testing for increased discrimination of common haplotypes
  • In-house custom bioinformatics
• The latest CE commercial global autosomal STR kits
• Complex mixture deconvolution with STRmix
• CE Y-STR typing and Y-STR mixture analysis
• Complex kinship analysis and paternity testing
• Species identification
• Custom primer and assay design for individualized hDNA q-PCR
  • Express DNA results with drastically reduced turnaround time compared to traditional hDNA methods
• Real-time sequencing (whole genome, targeted, metagenomics, epigenetics)
  • Nanopore sequencing
• High-throughput processing
• Automated extractions for a wide variety of sample types
• Optimized workflows for forensic evidentiary processing
• Processing forensic evidentiary samples for human DNA identification in conjunction with other forensic disciplines, such as latent prints
  • Maximize high-quality information gained while preserving the integrity of the evidence
• Sample archiving
• Degraded bone/tooth sample processing analysis capabilities
• Rootless hair sample processing and analysis capabilities

Our Staff

With over 90 combined years of professional experience in forensic serology and DNA typing of autosomal STR DNA, Y-STR, mitochondrial DNA, and SNPs, Tetracore’s Forensic Services Division staff have the experience to provide outstanding forensic genetic analysis and service to customers seeking the use of innovative techniques and advanced technology for their human identification mission. Many of our staff have worked in world-renowned laboratories and possess unique skills and knowledge to include:

• Streamlining high-throughput capabilities for laboratory processing of sexual assault kit backlogs
• Creating customized processing plans for serology and DNA testing to maximize successful results
  • Post-conviction testing in collaboration with the Innocence Project
• International experience providing customized technical training through the International Criminal Investigative Training Assistance Program (ICITAP)
• Identification work supporting the National Missing and Unidentified Persons System (NamUs)
• Processing of co-mingled remains, mass graves, and disaster victim identification
• Triaging of evidence from IEDs with the Terrorist Explosive Device Analytical Center (TEDAC)
• Implementing and analyzing low-copy number Y-STR protocols
• Providing expert witness testimony
• Affiliated memberships include the American Academy of Forensic Sciences and the International Society for Forensic Genetics
• Advanced degrees from across the United States: Yale University, The Pennsylvania State University, The University of Maryland, Towson University, George Washington University, Johns Hopkins University

Our Laboratory Space

Tetracore has laboratories dedicated to human DNA testing and thoughtfully designed spaces with purpose and functionality to meet the demands of every sample type.

• Laboratory space with controlled access points to ensure the integrity of the evidence
• Dedicated pre- and post-PCR laboratories
• Separate laboratory space for low-copy and high-copy human DNA testing
• BSL3 laboratory space for samples potentially contaminated with infectious disease, agents, virus, or microbes.
• Laboratory Information System/Laboratory Management System (LIMS/LMS)

Additional Information

• Validation design and implementation of new instrumentation, chemistry, and software
• Advanced equipment to meet present and future needs
  • Liquid handling robotics
  • Genetic analyzers
  • Illumina
  • Oxford Nanopore
  • DNA databasing capabilities
• In-house Institutional Review Board (IRB) to oversee ongoing research and development efforts to enhance human DNA processing techniques
• Ongoing cutting-edge research to further the human identification process
  • Human genomics (sequencing, mapping, and variant calling) as applied to individual samples
  • SNP-based genealogical analyses to construct ancestral-type genomes
  • Novel sampling protocols for commonly encountered challenging substrates
• Dedicated Quality Assurance department that continuously evaluates our program to ensure compliance with the forensic standards we follow
• Collaborative partnerships with trusted companies whose products are used throughout top-notch forensic laboratories