The lab DNA report says “too many contributors.” Should I still screen it?

Short answer

Yes - “too many contributors” is a strong reason to get TrueAllele^® screening. TrueAllele technology is validated for complex mixtures of up to 10 unknown contributors. If the case is homicide and the item is probative (weapon, clothing contact area, key touch surface), a Free TrueAllele Screening is often worth it.

What to do next

1. Select the most probative items.
2. Request the required electronic DNA data files (.fsa or .hid) from your lab.
3. Submit a Free TrueAllele Screening inquiry.

What to send

• Please do not send biological evidence. The screening uses the lab’s autosomal STR electronic DNA data files (.fsa or .hid).

Please submit:

• For key evidence items, the lab’s electronic data (.fsa or .hid files)
• For reference profiles (victim/elimination/POI), either allele lists or electronic data files
• Allelic ladder files for any electronic data
• Lab reports or other case documents
• Item ID list (which swabs/items the files belong to)
• A case submission form with case specific information and questions (e.g., compare to POI, interpret the too complex mixture, compare items, etc.)

For more information on what to request from the lab, see the Sending Cases for TrueAllele Processing page.

What you receive

• A basic answer about the DNA information in your data, along with the next steps.

Common pitfalls

• Assuming “too many contributors” automatically means “no value.”

Ready to Submit?

Tell us about your case. We’ll review it and tell you if we can get more information from the DNA data.

Free Screening

We don’t retest physical evidence items. We interpret the electronic DNA data a lab already generated.