Over the last several years, Othram and QIAGEN have led the market in driving the adoption of massively parallel sequencing (MPS) and forensic SNP-based technology in forensics. These new tools have revolutionized the way investigators solve violent crimes and identify human remains.
As part of this collaboration, the two companies will focus on developing tools and standards that ensure that maximum insight can be gleaned from forensic DNA profiles. While the companies, their databases, and technology will remain separate, the collaboration promises a more streamlined experience for forensic professionals and law enforcement looking to leverage forensic SNP-based technology and forensic genetic genealogy in their casework.
A key aspect of this collaboration is ensuring the compatibility of QIAGEN’s Kintelligence Kit with Othram’s Multi-Dimensional Forensic Intelligence (MDFI) platform and FamilyTreeDNA (FTDNA), allowing QIAGEN customers to use both GEDmatch PRO and Othram’s services. Likewise, Othram customers will enjoy a stable experience with unchanged access to GEDmatch PRO, providing peace of mind for forensic professionals and law enforcement, as they continue to invest in forensic genetic genealogy technology, now and in the future.
Othram’s MDFI platform seamlessly integrates the steps of forensic genetic genealogy into a simple and semi-automated workflow. More forensic genetic genealogy cases have been solved with Othram technology than any other method, providing a unique opportunity for Othram to simultaneously optimize forensic DNA profile generation and search. MDFI’s purpose-built forensic search algorithm enables substantial gains in sensitivity and efficacy in forensic matching. MDFI also includes tools to accelerate time-to-solve with genetic genealogy automation.
Othram and QIAGEN will also explore alignments around informed consent and criteria for determining when a forensic case is suitable for forensic genetic genealogy searches. This increased alignment aims to establish a unified and consistent approach to enhance privacy, data security, and investigative utility for all the stakeholders in the criminal justice system.
The is QIAGEN's second partnership in as many weeks. On September 23, QIAGEN announced its partnership with Bode Technology to advance use of the GEDmatch PRO forensic genetic genealogy database.
Press release from Othram