Laboratory testing

Forensic lab testing is a broad field that encompasses a wide range of scientific disciplines. Forensic scientists use their knowledge and expertise to analyze evidence collected from crime scenes, suspects, and victims. This evidence can be used to identify suspects, link suspects to crimes, and establish the cause and manner of death.

One of the most important areas of forensic lab testing is human blood analysis. Blood can be used to identify suspects, determine the time of death, and establish the cause of death. Forensic scientists can also use blood to determine if a suspect was at the scene of a crime. DNA analysis is another important area of forensic lab testing. DNA is found in all human cells, and it is unique to each individual. This makes DNA a powerful tool for identifying suspects and linking them to crimes. Forensic scientists can also use DNA to determine the relationship between individuals, such as paternity and maternity. Semen and saliva are two other types of biological evidence that can be analyzed in a forensic lab. Semen can be used to identify suspects and establish the time of sexual assault. Saliva can be used to identify suspects and establish the time of contact. Urine can also be analyzed in a forensic lab. Urine can be used to test for drugs and alcohol. It can also be used to determine the time of death. Drug chemistry is another important area of forensic lab testing. Forensic scientists can use drug chemistry to identify drugs, determine the purity of drugs, and establish the time of drug use.

How can WE help you with Lab Testing?

Our CSI Team can securely collect blood, hair, saliva, and more from nearly any object. Hats, bed sheets, used dental floss, toothbrushes, and much more. Collecting samples from these objects can then be safely sent to an analyzer at a certified lab to help investigators confirm things like affairs or solve a paternity case.

It’s important to note as well that not every sample collected or provided will contain a substantial amount of evidence. In this case, more substance samples will need to be collected.

DNA sampling

Fortruitly, DNA evidence can be used and is often a critical part of narrowing in on a suspect from a general population. Investigators can use almost any biological substance to gather DNA and pass it along to a certified forensic testing lab which can create a profile from the sample. If investigators already have suspects in mind for their investigation, DNA can help confirm who they suspect by collecting samples.

AFI can Provide Laboratory Presumptive Testing

Here are some additional details about each of the Presumptive Testing mentioned we provide:

Human blood analysis. This presumptive test for blood is great to use in as a confirmatory test for human blood. The test is specific for human Glycophorin A Antigen. Human blood can be analyzed to determine the following:

• The blood type of the donor

• The presence of drugs or alcohol in the blood

• The time of death

• The cause of death

DNA analysis. Provide sample collection and preparation for a certified lab. DNA analysis can be used to do the following:

• Identify suspects

• Link suspects to crimes

• Establish the relationship between individuals

• Determine paternity and maternity

Semen analysis. Identify semen stains on personal or other items. The Acid Phosphatase test is a presumptive test for detection of semen. It is also known as the Walker test or Brentamine spot test. In the presence of the test reagents, Acid Phosphatase, an enzyme found in semen, produces dark purple color. This presumptive test for semen is great to use in the field as a confirmatory test for human semen. The test is specific for human semenogelin antigen. There is no cross reactivity with other body fluids or animal semen. Semen analysis can be used to do the following:

• Identify suspects

• Establish the time of sexual assault

Saliva analysis. This presumptive test for saliva is great to use in the field as a confirmatory test for human saliva. The test is specific for human salivary (amyA) antigen. Saliva analysis can be used to do the following:

• Identify suspects

• Establish the time of contact

Urine analysis. PH Testing. Urine analysis can be used to do the following:

• Test for drugs and alcohol

• Determine the time of death

• Drug chemistry

GSR (Gun Shot Residue). Atomic Absorption Analysis is considered to be a sensitive, most effective method for the detection of firearm discharge residue on the skin or clothing of a suspect. A GSR test can be used to do the following:

• Identify evidence of a gun firing (discharge)

• Link gun discharge to other evidence

Drug composition. Drug chemistry can be used to do the following:

• Identify drugs

• Determine the purity of drugs

• Establish the time of drug use

• If positive the local police will be notified

  • NARK2005-1 Duquenois-Levine Test for Marijuana, Hashish, Hash-Oil, THC

  • NARK2007-1 Scott Reagent (modified) Test for Cocaine Salts, Cocaine Base

  • NARK20015-1 Sodium Nitroprusside Reagent Test for Methamphetamine/MDMA

                           WE DO NOT TEST FENTANYL

Evidence storage. Evidence must be stored in a secure location to prevent it from being contaminated or destroyed. Forensic scientists use a variety of methods to store evidence, including refrigeration, freezing, and desiccation. Evidence storage is an important part of forensic lab testing. Evidence must be stored in a secure location to prevent it from being contaminated or destroyed. Forensic scientists use a variety of methods to store evidence, including refrigeration, freezing, and desiccation.

What types of DNA are there?

Y-line DNA – tests the Y chromosome which is passed from father to son, along, in most cases, with the surname.

Mitochondrial DNA – is passed from mothers to both genders of her children, but only passed on by females. Males carry their mother’s mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) but they don’t pass it on.

Autosomal DNA – tests the rest of the DNA provided by both parents on the 23 chromosomes, not just two direct lines, as with Y-line and mitochondrial DNA. Older tests of this type tested between 21 and about 300 markers, but current generation testing provided by Family Tree DNA.

The X Chromosome – has special inheritance properties that allow people to use these results separately from the rest of the autosomal results, although the X chromosome is a part of the 23 sets of chromosomes used for autosomal testing.