FACL employs STRmix^™ Probabilistic Genotyping Software for DNA profile interpretation. Over the course of the last 25 years there have been many changes and improvements in the technology for obtaining DNA profiles. Significant improvements in the sensitivity of instrumentation and genotyping kits that target more genetic markers, have increased the detection of mixed DNA from multiple individuals. Before probabilistic genotyping, DNA results were interpreted by individual analysts using binary methods. With complex mixtures, or marginal results, this often led to multiple, and at times contradictory, interpretations of the same evidence profile, or worse, no interpretation. Probabilistic genotyping uses the data of each allele detected in an evidence profile to work out the probable genetic profiles of each contributor. This has led to vast improvements in profile interpretation and confidence that the interpretations are as accurate as possible.

Probabilistic genotyping software is a clear technological advantage in interpreting genetic data and in determining the likelihood that a specific individual is a contributor. However, just like the older methods the role of the DNA analyst is critical. The DNA analyst must understand the basic underlying biological model, the assumptions that went into the analysis, and the diagnostics of the interpretation. By working with FACL you are assured that any genetic profile data obtained for your case will be interpreted correctly by an expert with knowledge of the strengths and weaknesses of the data and the software.