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International DNA testing firm easyDNA has reported a sudden upsurge in requests for DNA testing of deceased persons since they launched their new advanced forensic DNA testing service.
TORONTO, CANADA 27/02/2009: easyDNA Limited, the well known forensic DNA testing company, has experienced a jump in orders for forensic DNA testing of samples from the deceased. Since the launch of its new advanced forensic DNA testing facility, easyDNA has been able to test samples that would not have been viable using standard techniques. Now, however, the company is able to use state of the art equipment to analyze samples such as a single strand of hair or degraded tissue, in order to establish a relationship. The current increase in orders is largely connected to inheritance disputes, where standard methods have been unable to offer the required information.
In the case of samples being taken from deceased persons, the results will likely be produced as evidence in court. There will therefore have to be a proper chain of custody of the samples, and the deceased will have to be formally identified, even if exhumed. Samples are normally nail clippings or hair, but other tissues can be used if necessary. The samples have to be witnessed, documented and notarized, and transported by secure courier to the testing laboratory to prevent interference. Legacies can involve a great deal of money. A forensic pathologist will normally be advocated to take the samples where an exhumation is carried out.
EasyDNA International Director of Sales and Marketing, Andrew Alexander, stated, "Recently, cases have involved claims being made against an estate by people alleging themselves to be relatives of the deceased. These claims can be proved or disproved by DNA testing, and our laboratories are equipped to use any of a number of different types of sample to determine the DNA profile of the donor, and then compare that with the profile of the alleged relatives. Advanced DNA forensic testing is advocated where the samples are old and the DNA could be damaged."
easyDNA operate from 16 regional offices scattered throughout the world, and offer advanced DNA testing facilities to a wide geographical area. We offer DNA Paternity Testing, DNA Relationship Testing, and DNA Forensic Testing, and the reliability of our results are due to our high quality standards, exemplified by our ISO 17027 and AABB accreditation. All of our testing is carried out to the highest accuracy levels possible by the use of state of the art modern genetic identification systems. |
