Located in the IACC building on the NDSU campus, our facility houses...

A Zeiss P.A.L.M. Microbeam Laser Catapult Microscope (LCM) equipped with a computer controlled laser and stage which has the ability to isolate individual cells of interest from many types of samples including marginal evidence (e.g. sexual assault slides). In addition, this instrument is equipped with fluorescent capabilities which allow the use of fluorescently tagged probes and antibodies for the detection of sperm and other cell types and the differentiation of male and female cells.

A Zeiss stereomicroscope with digital camera capability provides a permanent electronic record of items of biological evidence. In addition, a comprehensive photo documentation software program, the Image Access Easy Lab system, allows the storage and retrieval of case specific photos captured from the Zeiss LCM, the Zeiss stereomicroscope and digital photography.

The AB 3130 Genetic Analyzer is the absolute standard within the Forensic community and is used in over 95 % of all laboratories performing DNA casework in the United States. Two of these instruments allows for an increased analytical capacity resulting in rapid turnaround time for casework.

The AB 7500 Real Time SDS platform and the AB 9700 Thermalcycler are used by most U. S. Forensic DNA laboratories. These instruments are optimized for use with approved DNA amplification kits allowing Short Tandem Repeat profiling and Y-Chromosome analysis of DNA from biological evidence.

Two Qiagen BioRobot E-Z1 Evidence DNA extraction robots designed to obtain DNA from a variety of biological samples. The use of these instruments allows minimal involvement by the analyst, thereby, reducing the potential for contamination. In addition, the Qiagen Biorobot E-Z1 has the added advantage of being able to process biological samples directly and without lengthy pre-extraction preparation.

The North Dakota State University Forensic DNA Facility is housed in a secure, self contained, state of the art facility. Entrance to the laboratory is strictly controlled requiring access by a traceable magnetic card lock system which is continually monitored by the University Police and Safety Office.