Mitotyping Technologies is very single-minded, focusing exclusively on the analysis of mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) for forensic and anthropological applications.
When forensic cases arise where there is insufficient biological material for nuclear DNA typing, mitochondrial DNA analysiscan provide valuable supplemental information, even from such limited samples as 2mm long hair fragments or single teeth. Because of its usefulness when limited biological material is available, and due to its unique pattern of maternal inheritance, mtDNA is playing a significant role in investigation and prosecution of active criminal cases, post-conviction exoneration, re-examination of cold cases, genealogical studies where maternal relatedness is in question, and missing persons investigations.
Mitotyping Technologies has extensive experience with the most difficult samples often encountered in DNA testing, such as naturally shed hairs with telogen roots, hair shafts, and aged or burned skeletal material. We also offer an "ancient DNA analysis" for the most challenging samples where the mtDNA is degraded. We process each sample in our care individually from the start to the conclusion of the analysis. This gives us the opportunity to deal with the specific handling requirements of each sample, especially if it is degraded or minimal. We will never batch your hairs, which provides an extremely high level of protection against cross-contamination and sample switching, unlike other high-volume laboratories.
Because mitochondrial DNA analysis is our special strength, we are focused on addressing current issues in the field such as contamination, heteroplasmy, and population genetics. We also have extensive experience in the courtroom in both admissibility hearings and trials.
Mitotyping has been an accredited laboratory since 2001. We are currently accredited under ANAB AR 3125:2023 and ISO/IEC 17025:2017 in the field of Forensic Testing. Historically we have been accredited under ASCLD/LAB. Not every state requires certification or permitting, but we are permitted in the area of forensic identity by the New York State Department of Health and hold certifications for forensic testing in Texas and Maryland.
