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Services
Case Consultation
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Case Review and Testing Evaluation
Given the
complex nature of DNA analysis, a proper review of the testing performed in your case
requires more information than a two or three page report provided by the testing
laboratory's expert. By guiding you through the identification and collection of all
the necessary information required for a proper review,  can help
increase your effectiveness by allowing you to focus on the pertinent aspects of the
testing performed in your case.
's principal,
Dr. Theodore Kessis can perform a comprehensive review of the
DNA testing performed in your case, including evaluations of the following DNA
identification systems:
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STR Analysis
- Profiler™ and Cofiler™
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- PowerPlex™
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Mitochondrial DNA Sequence Analysis
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If
necessary,
can also assist you by drawing on the talents of additional individuals who specialize in
other relevant aspects of forensic DNA testing, including individuals with expertise in:
- Statistic
- Bioinformatics
- Computer Sciences
- Laboratory Operations
Following a
review of all the data and materials we have helped you obtain, we will clearly
communicate to you:
- The accuracy and reliability of the analysis
- The strengths and weakness of the testing
- Whether retesting of the samples is possible
......... More importantly, we will convey to you the true significance of the
results.
Software
Based Analysis of the Primary Testing Data
Nuclear
DNA Analysis
The vast
majority of forensic DNA testing performed today utilizes testing kits and
instrumentation manufactured by either PE Applied Biosystems (e.g.: Profiler and Cofiler
Systems) or Promega (PowerPlex System).
Based on the Polymerase Chain Reaction detection (PCR) of Short Tandem Repeats (STR),
these systems generate volumes (10 to 100 MB) of electronic data. Ultimately,
this raw electronic data is processed to determine the genetic profiles of the samples
tested.
In theory this approach appears to be quite objective. However, during the analysis
process a wide variety of software parameter can be selected from, potentially
effecting the ultimate display of the final data. This can and sometimes does lead
to a distorted picture of the testing results and their true meaning.
At we will help you obtain all of the
raw electronic data underlying the testing in your case and perform an independent
reanalysis of this data utilizing the same software the testing lab used. To
facilitated this process, relies
upon a new software tool call Genophiler, made available to us through the experts at Forensic Bioinformatic Services, .
Mitochondrial DNA Analysis
In addition to reanalyzing the electronic data generated in
connection with nuclear DNA testing,
can evaluate the data associated with Mitochondrial DNA sequencing analysis. To do
this we utilize a sophisticated program called Sequencher, provided by GeneCodes.
Case Preparation
and Development
Conveying the significance of
any testing results to a Jury or the Court is as important as the process of review.
At we recognize this and if necessary
will help you develop and prepare an effective presentation of the facts.
Counsel
Education and Case Development
One very
important part of case preparation and development is your ability to possess a broad
understanding of the testing performed in your case. can assist you by describing the procedure used in
your case in plain, basic, uncomplicated terms. With an enhanced comprehension
of the process, your ability to ask the right questions and present the issues in a
straightforward manner will be strengthened. In this regard, the following
links are provided as a good starting place.
Basics of DNA Testing
Animated Presentations
Court
Qualified Expertise
In addition to reviewing your case, 's principle expert, Dr. Kessis,
is prepared to present any relevant findings before the Court if necessary. Since
1994, Dr. Kessis has handled more then 120 cases; presenting Court qualified DNA
expert findings and testimony nationwide.
Testing Witnessing
In the past, witnessing was a
part of almost all forensic DNA testing performed in this country. As one analyst
would perform the actual hands-on work associated with the analysis, a second would
witness and document all critical steps. For a variety of reasons in house
witnessing of testing is rarely perform anymore.
Consider the following
however: - DNA is odorless
- Colorless
- Invisible to the naked eye
In addition, the testing
methodologies utilized today can routinely detect as few as 5 to10 molecules of DNA.
So the very real possibility for sample mix ups and cross contamination events exist.
At we believe witnessing is an integral and necessary part of
Forensic DNA testing. If testing in your case has yet to be performed, we believe
that an experienced individual should witness the processing of the samples in your
case.
DNA Testing
To retest or not to
retest? A variety of factors can effect this decision, factor which we can help you
sort through. While currently
does not perform testing in house, we can assist you in identifying laboratories that
perform testing using the highest standard.
Information
Resources
Another goal at is to be able answer any questions you ask
or address any issues you encounter. To achieve this goal we continually collect and
store information with potential relevance (electronic and hardcopy forms). Whether
you need a specific publication, a laboratory's validation studies, or the CV of a
particular laboratory technician, there's a good chance we'll have it on
hand............and if not will assist you in obtaining it.
Presentation Preparation and Design
At we also have expertise in the areas of
graphic design and presentation preparation. We can assist you with your graphic
presentation needs including preparation of charts, graphics and PowerPoint
presentations.
Animated Presentations
 For an example of one of our animated presentation,
click on the image here.
Created by Theodore D. Kessis |
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