A forensic report is the formal release of results for all the testing that has been performed on the items that were submitted in a case. If a case is forensic, it is one which may ultimately be presented in court proceedings. The work that may be performed in a forensic case can include the […]
While the DNAlab, a division of Maxxam Analytics International Corporation, is the leading paternity/immigration DNA testing facility in Canada, it is also home to the premiere Forensic DNA testing facility in Canada. The forensic arm of our Forensic and DNA Services Division has been the sole private service provider of outsourced DNA testing to the […]
What is DNA? When and how was it discovered? How do we use it to determine relationships between people? These are some questions you might be asking yourself. Let’s take a look at the basics of DNA. What is DNA? DNA stands for deoxyribonucleic acid. It is found in almost all living organisms, from humans […]
One of the techniques and analyses used to assist investigators is bloodstain pattern analysis (BPA). Bloodstain pattern analysis refers to the analysis of the size, shape and distribution of bloodstains as a method of determining the mechanism or activity which produced them. There is different information contained within bloodstains that can be interpreted – size, […]
What is the typical type of sample collected? To understand what qualifies as a special sample it is important to first understand what the common types of samples collected are. The most common type of sample that is collected for paternity/maternity, family relationship, immigration/citizenship or curiosity testing is a cheek swab of the individual(s) in […]
Read More… from Special Samples – Submission of non-standard samples for DNA testing
Lights, camera, ACTION! Just over eight years ago, TheDNALAB, a division of Maxxam Analytics, had the privilege of sampling a rare shrunken body artefact as a professional videographer captured the scientists inspecting the unique artefact. Meet Billy Jamieson And His Shrunken Body Discovery The late William Jamieson, better known as Billy Jamieson, acquired the shrunken […]
Did you know that TheDNALab, which is solely owned and operated by Maxxam Analytics, was the first private laboratory in Canada to be accredited under the forensic specialty standard of the Standards Council of Canada? Further, unlike some other DNA laboratories, TheDNALab has never lost its accreditation status. To understand the importance of accreditation, let’s […]
Paternity and Forensic Twin DNA Testing Twins are often stereotyped as being clones and are expected to be “identical”. A common question posed in the paternity and forensic field is, “Do twins have the same DNA?” Prior to answering this question, it is important to know the difference between fraternal twins and identical twins. Fraternal […]
Forensic Science and CSI Forensic Science, in its most basic definition, is the application of science to law. It is an umbrella term used to describe professionals from a wide range of disciplines that use their expertise to aid members of the legal system in their investigations. The general public is familiar with the importance […]
