What IFS does


  • Forensic investigation by IFS:

    The mission of the Independent Forensic Services (IFS) forensic program is to meet the unique requirements of clients while delivering high-quality, accurate and timely forensisc investigation where the results can be interpreted in criminalistic reports.
    Founded in 2003, IFS has successfully handled high-profile cases not only in the Netherlands but also in the United States, Great Brittan and Australia. The cases focus on complexity, ranging from murder cases involving complex DNA recovering to injury interpretation, cause- and time of death.
    IFS is a reliable and impartial Forensic laboratory, dedicated to providing the truth on every occasion.

    We offer:
    Experienced Laboratory & Staff:
    IFS’s forensic team includes seasoned professionals with over 40 years of combined experience performing forensic case work and highly-skilled DNA and forensic medical specialists. The equipment present at IFS is state of the art, well maintained and validated according to international ISO/IEC 17025 standard. Due to our broad knowledge and expertise, IFS is able to be flexible and case-specific to obtain the optimal results.

    Our Forensic DNA services include:

    Evidence Examination:
    Finding the evidence is the first and most crucial step in the whole DNA process. The forensic scientists of Independent Forensic Services have extensive experience in both trace recovery and generating forensic DNA-profiles from all biological traces, with a special expertise on the most difficult ones: skin epithelia cells. This experience, which is of great importance for the chance of obtaining a DNA profile, can be crucial in finding DNA which could be left by a perpetrator.
    IFS uses all the modern equipment available to detect biological traces and have developed a unique system of special lenses and computer software to enhance the possibilities of trace recovery.

    Evidence Sampling:
    Sampling the biological material is the second crucial step. On several occasions it has been the expertise and method used by the scientists of IFS to sample a specific biological trace which generated the decisive DNA-profile. Flexibility and creativity in sampling are important characteristics in the way IFS handles the evidence sampling.

    DNA Extraction:
    When samples have been taken from pieces of evidence to perform a DNA analysis, the goal is to extract the DNA and separate the DNA molecules from other cellular materials and from pollutions present. Based on our experience and by closely following the latest techniques IFS is able to choose the optimal isolation technique for the material where the DNA must be isolated from.

    DNA Quantification:
    Before the amplification process, IFS quantifies the appropriate amounts of DNA needed for optimal DNA amplification. IFS uses Real Time RT-PCR techniques, which are able to detect as little as 2 picogram of DNA. The advantage is that no precious DNA isolate is wasted. There is less need to rerun samples for DNA amplification, which saves time and reduce costs. Due to quantification of the samples IFS is also able to distinguish samples containing no DNA, male DNA, female DNA or a mixture of male and female DNA. This enables IFS to increase the throughput of samples taken by trace recovery, make a pre-selection of samples and choose the appropriate amplification method.

    DNA Amplification (PCR):
    Subsequently to the DNA isolation and quantification, a method is used in which specific regions of DNA are multiplied. This is done by means of the Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR). During this process, the target DNA fragments are replicated over and over again using the enzyme DNA polymerase. In general, 28 of these multiplication steps are performed to yield many copies of the DNA fragments, resulting in the PCR product. In addition, IFS use the Low Copy Number (LCN) technique to increase the amount of PCR product when needed. IFS is able to amplify very low amounts of PCR up to 2 picogram successfully. By using commercially available validated kits, IFS effectively amplifies both autosomal and Y-chromosomal DNA from various samples.

    DNA Analysis:
    The length of the multiplied DNA fragments is established by means of capillary electrophoresis (CE). During the amplification steps, several colour labels are attached to the DNA fragments. Consequently, the length of the DNA fragments can be established precisely by separating the different PCR products in an electric field and capturing the data using a CCD camera. IFS uses of a very sensitive Genetic analyser which, has been proven to generate high quality profiles.

    DNA Profiling:
    For forensic applications, several amplification kits are available. Using these kits, several DNA loci can be investigated simultaneously. These loci can be found on both the autosomal chromosomes as well as on the gender chromosomes. The DNA kits frequently used by IFS are the Identifiler, Minifiler and Yfiler Amplification Kits from Applied Biosystems. Using these techniques, 16 locations (loci) on the DNA can be investigated simultaneously. If a full DNA profile is generated, it can be established with great certainty whether the cell material in a specific sample could or could not originate from a certain person.

    DNA Profile Interpretation:
    Experienced IFS personnel are trained to interpret results obtained from DNA profiling. Based on results obtained from complex high-profile cases, IFS has proven to effectively and thoroughly analyse profiles, including partial and mixed profiles. Furthermore, IFS is able to interpret these results in the context of the case with the information provided.

    Reliable Results:
    Our experienced staff is dedicated to Quality Assurance and reliability and our Forensic DNA laboratory is internationally fully-accredited by the Dutch Accreditation Council RvA as laid down in ISO/IEC 17025:2005 (Reg. no. IFS L491).

    Forensic Medical Investigation:

    Injury Interpretation:
    IFS also has expertise on interpretation of injuries. Second opinion on what kind of mechanism or weapon could have caused an injury can offer new insights. Injuries are closely realted to:

    Cause of Death:
    Putting the medical evidence in perspective and evaluating the evidence in a criminalistic- instead of a clinical way can sometimes make the difference between murder and a motorcar accident, as was shown in a high profile Australian case in which IFS reported. These investigations are also provided by IFS.

    Time of Death:
    Highly underestimated, determining Time of Death is of great importance in almost every murder case. It is a special expertise of IFS. We have the newest computer software on estimation of Time of Death and have been successful in dozens of cases.