Othram and QIAGEN Collaborate to Bring Stability, Innovation, and Improvement to the Field of Forensic Genetic Genealogy

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. Explore the benefits of MDFI at Othram Research.

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.

About Othram Inc.

Othram is the world’s first private DNA laboratory built specifically to apply the power of modern parallel sequencing to forensic evidence. Othram’s scientists are experts at recovery, enrichment, and analysis of human DNA from trace quantities of degraded or contaminated materials. Founded in 2018, and located in The Woodlands, Texas, our team works with academic researchers, forensic scientists, medical examiners, and law enforcement agencies to achieve results when other approaches fail. Follow Othram on Twitter @OthramTech or visit Othram.com to learn how we can help you with your case. Visit dnasolves.com to learn how anyone can make a difference in helping solve the next cold case.