Semen Screen

A semen screen is conducted to determine the presence or absence of seminal fluid on a sample submitted by the client. If semen is present, a positive result should be obtained, even if the male has had a vasectomy. The ability to obtain results may depend on the age and condition of the sample, as well as the amount of material that is actually present. The test result may be used to determine the usefulness of proceeding with a DNA test.

Blood Screen

A blood screen is conducted to determine the presence or absence of blood on a sample submitted by the client. The test results may be used to determine the usefulness of proceeding with a DNA test.

Suitability Testing

A suitability test can be conducted on a sample to determine if DNA is present. This test can be conducted after a semen or blood screen, but can also be conducted, even in the absence of a screening test. If DNA is present, a client can choose to have a DNA profile generated. If DNA is not present, the client can choose to either submit another sample or close the case.

Generation of DNA Profile

If the results of a Suitability Test indicate the presence of DNA, Orchid Cellmark can generate a DNA profile from the sample. The DNA profile will indicate the following:

• The likely number of donors to the sample (it is possible that a DNA sample will consist of one, two or more individuals)
  
• The possible genders of the donors (i.e. the presence of a single male, single female, mixed sample consisting of at least one female)
  
• Specific allelic information of the contributors

Comparison of DNA Profiles

If a client wishes to compare the DNA profiles of two different samples, Orchid Cellmark can conduct this test. The results will indicate if two samples match.