Warnex has signed a Contribution Agreement with the NRC-IRAP for forensic DNA analysis of 'Touch DNA' samples from expended firearm cartridges, to help with identifying criminals and crime evidence.
Funding from the National Research Council of Canada's Industrial Research Assistance Program (NRC-IRAP) will allow Warnex to improve methods for analysing Touch DNA, broadening its capabilities in forensic testing.
Such means can assist in the DNA identification of criminals achieved through analysis of skin cells left on an object such as a bullet casing, door knob, steering wheel or utensil after a person has touched it.
Analysis of Touch DNA poses many challenges.
Touch DNA samples are not visible and as they contain smaller amounts of DNA than found in other types of evidence, it is more difficult to obtain DNA profiles from them.
Warnex's PRO-DNA Services division, located in Thunder Bay, Ontario, will use nuclear and mitochondrial DNA techniques to improve the analysis of Touch DNA samples.
In addition to technical and business advisory services, NRC-IRAP will contribute up to $47,300 for the research and development work performed by Warnex.
Warnex PRO-DNA services is the only private laboratory in Canada providing STR, Y-STR, miniSTR and mitochondrial DNA testing services for forensic and parentage testing purposes.
Mitochondrial DNA testing is crucial in cases where nuclear DNA testing is not possible such as for shed hairs at crime scenes, identification of missing persons (skeletal remains with degraded DNA) and when there is insufficient nuclear DNA.
Warnex PRO-DNA Services is accredited by the Standards Council of Canada (SCC) as a DNA-testing laboratory for forensics, parentage and other familial relationships under ISO 17025/CAN-P-4E and CAN-P-1578, as well as the American Society of Crime Lab Directors/Laboratory Accreditation Board - International (ASCLD/LAB-International) for forensic science testing.
Warnex offers its forensic services to law enforcement, lawyers, investigators and private clients worldwide.
