Verogen’s MiSeq FGx Sequencing System and ForenSeq DNA Signature Prep Kit will help resolve forensic investigations and complex relationship cases, and provide advanced phenotypic insights for the forensic community.
SAN DIEGO–(BUSINESS WIRE)–Verogen Inc., a dedicated developer of human identification products for sequencing and analysis of forensic genomic samples, is building on its partnership with Cellmark Forensic Services. Cellmark is a leading provider of forensic DNA services in the United Kingdom and is the first forensic laboratory to receive ISO17025 accreditation from the United Kingdom Accreditation Service (UKAS) for next-generation sequencing (NGS), also known as massively parallel sequencing (MPS), for forensic DNA analysis. This accreditation enables Cellmark to offer NGS-based forensic services to its law enforcement partners, in keeping with the stringent quality standards required of forensic laboratories.
Verogen’s powerful new sequencing technology will supplement Cellmark’s existing specialist DNA capabilities. Verogen’s ForenSeq DNA Signature Prep Kit targets the core autosomal and Y-STR loci accepted by global databases, ensuring compatibility with existing DNA data. It also includes markers that provide advanced forensic intelligence such as hair color, eye color, and biogeographical estimations, all of which can be simultaneously interrogated using the versatile Verogen MiSeq FGx Sequencing System. The combination of sequence information and large number of forensically relevant markers will provide access to additional insight from low-quality, degraded and mixed samples, and enable the resolution of challenging forensic investigations and complex relationship cases.
“NGS is a huge leap forward in forensic DNA technology, and this accreditation demonstrates that it meets the rigorous standards necessary for introduction into forensic laboratories,” said Verogen CEO Brett Williams. “This partnership with Cellmark, through their implementation of the MiSeq FGx System, the ForesnSeq DNA Signature Prep Kit and the Universal Analysis Software means Verogen’s tools will help bring closure to families looking for answers,” Williams added.
In 2019, Cellmark committed to becoming a UK centre of excellence for sequencing-based forensic DNA profiling analysis. This accreditation follows Cellmark’s extensive technology validation and consultation with the UK’s Forensic Science Regulator, the Forensic Information Database Service (FINDS), UKAS, the Biometrics and Forensics Ethics Group, representatives from multiple police forces, and a close partnership with Verogen, to bring the benefits of forensic NGS technology to criminal investigations.
“UKAS is the sole national accreditation body recognized by the British government for accrediting forensic science laboratories to international quality standards,” said David Hartshorne, Managing Director of Cellmark Forensic Services. “Cellmark has a long history of forensic innovation. This accreditation and our close partnership with Verogen, the world’s leading forensic MPS technology provider, will allow us to deliver far greater forensic information than has previously been possible.”
More information about the MiSeq FGx Sequencing System, the ForenSeq DNA Signature Prep Kit and other NGS capabilities can be found at verogen.com.
More information about Cellmark’s ISO17025 accreditation and its MPS service can be found at https://www.cellmarkforensics.co.uk.
About Verogen
Verogen is a dedicated developer of human identification products for sequencing and analysis of forensic genomic samples. Working closely with the forensic community, Verogen places exceptional value on flexible, scalable solutions that deliver reliable results.
About Cellmark Forensic Services
Cellmark Forensic Services (registered company Orchid Cellmark Ltd) is one of the UK’s largest providers of multidisciplinary forensic casework services to police and is an accredited supplier of DNA profiles to the UK National DNA Database. Established in 1987 as the world’s first commercial DNA fingerprinting laboratory, Cellmark now employs approximately 500 staff and delivers a comprehensive range of ISO17025 accredited specialist forensic services from its laboratories in Abingdon, Oxfordshire and Chorley, Lancashire. For more information, visit www.cellmarkforensics.co.uk.
Contacts
Kim Mohr
Insight Communications
insight.kmohr@gmail.com