GeneLex has been performing DNA analysis in criminal paternity cases since 1991. We work these
cases to a higher standard than civil cases. They are tracked separately and more extensively
tested. Our goal is a minimum of six RFLP probes and 8 STRs within three weeks. (Results can be
provided in as little as four days.) As many as thirty different polymorphic genes can be tested.
This level of testing provides for such a high degree of certainty that results are rarely
challenged. The advent of multiplex PCR of STRs now allows us to perform a highly informative
parentage test on the smallest of specimens. Application.Our
most common criminal paternity cases are those that
result from an unlawful sexual contact with a minor.
"Reverse paternity" in which a body, body fluid stain,
or tissue is identified by analyzing and comparing it
to samples from surviving relatives is another type
of case with which we have considerable experience.
Our highly specialized expertise may be essential if
surviving relatives are other than the parents or children
of the individual in question.
Sample.Whole
blood is the generally preferred specimen as it provides
for the high yield of DNA needed for parallel testing
and rapid turnaround. We also commonly test a full range
of forensic specimens including bones and teeth. Please
note that the material resulting from the termination
of a pregnancy may require special handling by medical
personnel to ensure that fetal tissue is not lost.
Single Probe Exclusions.These
occur when only one of five or more probes produces
an exclusion. Calculation of results is routine, and
incorporates the known mutation rate of the locus at
which the exclusion has occurred. Probes with a high
mutation rate do not meet with AABB requirements that
probes with a low mutation rate be used in parentage
testing. Reports.In
the case of criminal paternity we provide PI (paternity
index), probability of paternity and RMNE (random man
not excluded) calculations. The RMNE can become important
if objections are raised to the Bayesian nature of the
PI and probability of paternity. The use of Bayesian
methods has been interpreted by some individuals, including
judges, to conflict with the presumption of innocence.
We also frequently produce parentage reports using DNA
and serological data that is obtained from other laboratories.
In some instances this has been combined with data that
we produced as part of the case.
Legal Acceptance.GeneLex
parentage testing has survived extensive legal challenges
in several states. These include a State Supreme court
ruling in a Montana "statutory rape" that is the highest
appellate affirmation of RFLP paternity testing in the
country, and a reverse paternity on a blood stain in
a New York homicide that is working its way up the appellate
process. GeneLex, in its thirteenth anniversary year,
has performed DNA profiling on more than 40,000 individuals.
Our staff, which includes three PhDs, has tested and
testified on behalf of both the prosecution and the
defense in capital homicides, sexual assaults, criminal
paternity and body fluid stain identifications based
on surviving family members. We have used our full battery
of forensic DNA testing methods on blood, semen, soft
tissues, bone, saliva, nasal secretions, hair roots,
and even ear wax.GeneLex has been accredited by the
American Association of Blood Banks Parentage Testing
Committee since 1992 and the American Society of Crime
Laboratory Directors Laboratory Accreditation Board
since 1997. We have completed and passed hundreds of
proficiency tests, many of them fully blinded.
Founded in 1987, Genelex Corporation is accredited by
the AABB Parentage Testing Committee in DNA parentage testing since 1992
and is Washington State Medical Test Site No. MTS-3919 CLIA No. 50D0980559.
Genelex has New York State Department of Health Accreditation for DNA
Testing. Genelex complies with United States Food and Drug Administration
regulations covering Good Laboratory (21 CFR 58) and Good Manufacturing
(21 CFR 211) Practices and has contributed to the validation of National
Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) Standard Reference Materials.
