Screening Services

Bode has developed a Y-Marker Screen (YMS) assay to screen samples for the presence of male DNA if appropriate. The YMS test is more sensitive than the STR multiplexes used for DNA analysis to ensure that low levels of male component DNA are identified. The YMS test is a simple and efficient way to determine if male DNA is present, if an STR profile can be generated from a sample, and whether STR or Y-STR analysis will be effective.

Bode also offers several methods of screening samples for the presence of biological fluids such as blood, semen, or saliva. Bode will first assess all items by Alternate Light Source or visual examination in order to isolate potential body fluid stains. The screening tests include the Phenolphthalein (Kastle-Meyer) test for blood, Acid Phosphatase test for semen, and Phadebas® test for saliva. Bode analysts are also trained to perform microscopic examinations for the presence of spermatozoa. The ABAcard® Hematrace® test is available to confirm the presence of the hemoglobin found in human blood, while either the Seratec® PSA Semiquant® test or the OneStep ABAcard p30 test can be used to confirm the presence of prostate-specific antigen (PSA or p30). In serology negative cases, Bode analysts are trained in the recovery of hair and determination of hair suitability for nuclear DNA testing.