Forensic Investigation Consultant FIC
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Examinations of Biological Materials - DNA







What DNA is ^
DNA is the genetic material contained mainly in the nucleus of almost all cells in the body of every living organism. It is a complex macromolecule that contains encoded genetic information, half of which is inherited from the mother and the other half from the father. This genetic information determines the physical characteristics of the person and directs all functions of the organism.

Fields of Application ^
Because DNA is the same in all cells of one and only organism, and is therefore unique to every person, except for monozygotic identical twins, it allows us to compare DNA from different biological materials and establish similarities or differences, for example in cases of rape with semen stains, hairs with a suspect’s blood, traffic accidents, mass disasters, paternity disputes, and similar cases.
The Biological Materials - DNA Analysis Sector works on findings of biological origin, such as blood and bloodstains, semen and seminal stains, hairs, bones, tissues and saliva, for example from stamps, envelopes, cigarettes, straws and other similar items, as well as various other body fluids, such as sweat, vaginal swabs, anal swabs, epithelial cells and fingerprints.

Analysis Procedure ^
The DNA analysis procedure is carried out by specific techniques: DNA is isolated from biological fluids, specific regions are amplified where required by PCR, and its fragments are separated according to their size and distinguished as defined zones or STR bands.

Laboratory Examinations ^
Using internationally recognized, scientifically documented and court-admissible scientific and technical methods, we conduct laboratory examinations:
  1. of biological materials, for the purpose of:
    • determining the species of the living being, namely establishing human origin, as well as sex, race or population origin and blood group.
    • identifying persons.
    • identifying bodies.
    • identifying skeletons or skeletal parts.
    • comparatively comparing the resulting STR type, where a difference means exclusion of association with a specific person, while a match means that there is a probability of association with a specific person, which must be statistically assessed according to the frequency of the specific STR type in the population.
  2. paternity testing, for determining the parent or father, since DNA is inherited one half from each parent.
Evaluation - Utilization ^
In addition, we carry out:
  • evaluation of laboratory-examination reports by state and other laboratories or by specialists, in cases related to examinations of biological materials.
  • evaluation of the procedure for collecting biological materials and of the sampling method that was followed.
  • utilization of elements requiring further examination, by identifying forensic points for additional analysis, documentation and presentation, and by locating points for which laboratory examination or exploitation was possible but no corresponding request had been submitted.
Indicative questions that may be raised, depending on the examined case ^
  1. Are there bloodstains on the object under examination, such as a knife, paper cutter, firearm, stone, piece of wood, and so on?
  2. Is biological material of the victim present on the body or clothing of the suspect?
  3. Is biological material of the suspect present on the body or clothing of the victim?
  4. Is biological material of the suspect or of the victim present in a vehicle used for the escape of the offenders or for transporting the victim?
  5. Is biological material of the suspect or of the victim present in a place where they are believed to have had access, such as a building, apartment, room or outdoor area?
  6. On specific materials such as stamps, cigarette butts, toothpicks, toothbrushes, firearms, knives and similar items, can biological material be detected?
  7. What kind of use or contact with an object is required for exploitable biological material to be left behind?
  8. Is the biological material found related to the DNA of the suspect?
  9. Is the biological material found related to the DNA of the victim?
  10. Do the bones found belong to a human or to an animal?
  11. Can family relationships of the victim be determined from the biological material, for example in mass disasters?
  12. Is there a relationship between person A and person B, such as a kinship link or paternity?
  13. What is the reliability of association and differentiation by the DNA method?
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