Forensic Access is pleased to announce that, working in collaboration with LGC, we can now offer quicker and more cost effective DNA testing services to assist defence counsel in their evaluation and interpretation of scientific findings.
The ParaDNA® System was launched by LGC Group in 2013 and since then has received much attention both in the UK and overseas for a variety of applications, being taken through ISO 17025 quality accreditation in some instances. Forensic Access has been working with their technical team to determine how this new technology can assist the defence in achieving safer and more robust trial outcomes.
What does the ParaDNA System deliver?
The ParaDNA System is not a replacement for traditional DNA17 DNA testing which is the routine method used for all casework in England and Wales. Instead it offers a test which can provide a highly valuable insight into whether DNA could have come from a named individual. It achieves this very simply (by comparison to traditional routes) and in a much shorter time, with the test itself taking less than 75 minutes. After assessment of case circumstances and DNA testing already completed, Forensic Access scientists can make a decision of the value of using this testing method and recommendations for further work to be carried out – all at approximately half the cost of using traditional DNA 17 testing.
When might we use this new technique and how could it assist the defence?
The simple answer is that it can be used on most types of samples which might undergo traditional DNA testing. It will provide information as to whether that DNA could have come from one of the named individuals in the case from whom DNA testing has already been completed. Some examples would include:
- testing blood stains in assault cases
- testing semen stains in sexual assault cases
- testing saliva stains from masks in assault and robbery cases
- testing items recovered at crime scenes, such as drinks bottles and cigarette ends.
In each of the above cases, further intelligence DNA testing might assist in exploring additional information put forward by those involved. For example, in the case of testing blood stains in an assault a scientist cannot test every single blood stain and therefore has to make a judgement on which stains to test that are representative of the general staining. This is often not a simple task and with increasing cutbacks in funding fewer stains are routinely tested, presenting the question ‘has all the blood observed come from the same individual?’
ParaDNA Intelligence Test Results
Results of testing will fall into one of four main categories, all of which can be taken on to further traditional DNA 17 testing if required:
- Full / Partial DNA result
This will include or exclude an individual as a possible source of the DNA. - Mixed DNA result
The test result will indicate if a mixture of DNA is present and can be used to provide advice as to whether further traditional DNA 17 testing should be carried out. - Weak result
As above, this can be used to determine whether further DNA 17 should be carried out. - No result
Dependent on the circumstances of the case this would indicate very little or no DNA is present, suggesting that further work may not be of use.
Whilst it does not replace traditional DNA 17 testing, the ParaDNA System offers a vital addition to the review and understanding of scientific evaluation in the context of a case.
A ParaDNA Intelligence Test option is now available from Forensic Access, so please contact us if you require further assistance or wish to have this technique included as part of your casework review.
We would be delighted to talk to criminal defence solicitors and barrister about how we can support your work. Contact our experienced Casework team to ask us to review and quote for one of your cases:
Tel: 01865 591102
Email: science@forensic-access.co.uk
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