Orchid Cellmark: Single Nucleotide Polymorphisms (SNPs) Analysis

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Single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) are simply sequence variations between individuals at a particular point in the genome. Each individual has a million or more SNPs. Since SNPs are single-base pair changes, the smallest unit of genetic variation, they are present in very small segments of DNA and are more likely to survive severe environmental degradation than any other form of genetic variation.

In use for more than a decade, Orchid Cellmark's SNP technology is one of the most validated SNP scoring methods available today. Orchid Cellmarks SNP panel for forensic testing involves the analysis of more than 70 SNPs. Orchid Cellmark used its SNP technology to assist in the identification of multiple victims of the World Trade Center disaster.

SNP analysis is recommended in the following situations:

Samples which have been subjected to extreme environmental conditions such as heat
Samples which have not yielded results by conventional STR analysis

SNP analysis, while not suitable for every case, is a proven technology that is useful when standard STR-based approaches have been attempted and found to be uninformative. Orchid Cellmark is committed to providing accurate and timely SNP data of the very highest quality. A complete written report will be issued for every case.