Arkansas Genomics State’s First Private Forensics Lab, Specializing in DNA Testing and Analysis

Aug. 24, 2011 - PRLog -- When Arkansas Genomics celebrates its grand opening September 1st, it won’t be the balloons and ribbon cutting that generate the most excitement.  The real fanfare exists in a diminutive world seen best through the lens of a high powered microscope.  

Arkansas Genomics will offer the latest in DNA technology and high tech robotics, propelled by scientists whose chief aim is to extinguish questions marks in trials, criminal cases and police investigations.  

The lab is outfitted with state-of-the-art equipment and prepared to take on the most high profile criminal cases, the most private family matters and a whole slew of needs in between.  It will all be unveiled during a grand opening ceremony Thursday, September 1st at 11am at AG’s Little Rock laboratory.

“When we open our doors for business, it’s going to mark a new day of solutions and resources for attorneys, law enforcement agencies, private investigators and even members of the general public,” says Jimmy Threet, Arkansas Gemomics founder.  “But it will also end more than a decade of preparation to make this lab a reality.  In that time we’ve built relationships and tailored our services to best meet the needs of state and local government.”

AG will use its innovative DNA technology to help dissolve the overwhelming backlog of criminal cases, assist attorneys with discovery requests and trial preparation and provide data banking for convicted offenders and post-conviction DNA testing.  Services will also include over-the-counter paternity testing kits and private testing for families.

While Threet expects to heavily service agencies across the state, AG will work with law enforcement nationwide in pursuit of its mission to most fully arm every investigative team with the most exact science available today.

“Advances such as robotic DNA extraction can cut extraction time from a full day to two hours; today we can draw useable DNA from samples invisible to the naked eye.”   Threet says.  “However, the backlog in cases grows daily because not all labs have such advanced equipment and samples that were too small 20 years are giving new life to cold cases.”

AG’s new lab was built from the ground up, with roughly 6,000 square feet of space and scientists with a combined 75 years in DNA testing and expert witness testimony.

What: Arkansas Genomics Grand Opening
When: Thursday, September 1st 2011, 11am
Where: Arkansas Genomics, 5100 Talley Rd.
Suite #300 Little Rock, Arkansas 72204
Visuals: Lab Tours, Robotics demonstrations
Interview subjects: Jimmy Three, AG Founder; Dr. Berch Henry, Lab Director; Megan Palmer, Technical Leader; Local Attorneys

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Arkansas Genomics is the state’s first and only private DNA laboratory, offering support to State and Local Crime Labs with reduction of forensic backlogged DNA samples. AG offers assistance with convicted offender/post-conviction DNA testing, including case work samples. AG will also perform paternity testing for Child Support Enforcement Divisions (CSED,) immigration services and for wills and probate purposes.
Arkansas Genomics expects to complete validation and ISO-17025 accreditation in November, 2011. AG will also be accredited through the American Association of Blood Banks. Arkansas Genomics mission is to offer full confidence to law enforcement agencies and attorneys that the latest scientific evidence and answers are represented in their presentation of DNA related cases.