What Bode Technology Group does

Bode Technology Group (legally Bode Cellmark Forensics, Inc.) is the largest private forensic DNA analysis laboratory in North America, headquartered in Lorton, Virginia. Founded in 1995, the company provides end-to-end forensic DNA services and a portfolio of DNA collection products to federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies, public and private crime laboratories, medical examiners, attorneys, and innocence projects. Service lines span sexual assault kit (SAK) testing, cold case resolution, post-conviction testing, missing persons and unidentified remains identification, convicted offender databasing, and forensic investigative genetic genealogy (FIGG), with stated throughput of 2,000+ SAKs per month and a 99.95%+ CODIS-eligible profile success rate.

The technology stack centers on proprietary extraction and collection methods — Bode X-traction™ (yields approximately 10x more usable DNA from shell casings and rootless hairs) and the patent-pending Bode RapidSwab™ dual-matrix collector — combined with validated STR mix interpretation, STRmix probabilistic genotyping, and a FIGG pipeline built on SNP profiling plus GEDmatch PRO access. The company also markets BodeHITS, a local DNA database solution for inter-agency sharing, and administers IQAS, an ISO/IEC 17043-accredited proficiency testing program distributed globally since 1991. Consumable products (RapidSwab, SecurSwab 2, BioSafe Swab, DUO-V, Buccal DNA Collector, FocusDNA kit, Bode Vault, Bode Armor) are manufactured in an ISO Class 7 cleanroom under ISO 18385:2016 and ISO 9001:2015. The laboratory operates under ISO/IEC 17025:2017, ASCLD/LAB-International, and FBI QAS approval.

Revenue is generated through three streams: (1) professional services for forensic casework and consulting, procured via competitive bidding and multi-year contracts (including a $50M two-year Queensland, Australia contract —); (2) sale of DNA collection and storage products; and (3) recurring revenue from IQAS proficiency testing kits distributed quarterly to laboratories worldwide. Go-to-market is enterprise-direct, supplemented by grant-funded channels (DOJ programs SAKI, CEBR, MUHR, Postconviction, Coverdell, JAG, Emmett Till), a GSA Schedule, and partnerships with victim advocacy foundations (Sherry Black Foundation, Murder Has a Name). The company does not publish pricing; all case submissions require contact with the technical services team.

Name

Bode Technology Group

Legal name

Bode Cellmark Forensics, Inc.

Website

https://bodetech.com

Company type

Private

Founded year

1991

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

101–250 employees

Short description

Bode Technology Group is the largest private forensic DNA analysis laboratory in North America, providing forensic DNA testing services, proprietary DNA collection products, and forensic investigative genetic genealogy to federal, state, local, and international law enforcement agencies and crime laboratories.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Forensic DNA Analysis Services

NAICS

Testing Laboratories and Services (54138), Testing Laboratories and Services (541380)

SIC

Services-Testing Laboratories (8734), Services-Commercial Physical & Biological Research (8731)

akta.pro primary industry

Forensic Science & Crime Laboratories (Justice System Support) (BPAIAFAI)

akta.pro secondary industry

Forensic & Anti-Counterfeit Testing (Product Integrity) (HLAGADAM)

Keywords

• Forensic DNA analysis
• DNA collection products
• Sexual assault kit testing
• Forensic genetic genealogy
• Proficiency testing services

Headquarters

HQ city

Lorton

HQ country

United States

HQ region

North America

Offices1 record

Markets served

GTM type

B2B

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Operations, Technology or R&D, Infrastructure, Marketing or Sales

Revenue model

1. Forensic DNA Casework Analysis Services: Large-scale forensic DNA identity testing services provided under contract to government agencies for criminal investigations, including sexual assault kit testing, cold case analysis, post-conviction testing, and missing person identification. Services are procured through competitive bidding and custom packages.
2. DNA Collection Products: Sale of DNA collection products including RapidSwab, SecurSwab 2, BioSafe Swab, Buccal DNA Collectors, FocusDNA Collection Kits, and related accessories. Products are ISO 18385:2016 Forensic DNA Grade manufactured in ISO Class 7 cleanroom.
3. Proficiency Testing Services (IQAS): ISO/IEC 17043-accredited proficiency testing kits distributed quarterly to public and private laboratories worldwide for quality assurance compliance.
4. Validation and Consulting Services: Laboratory validation services, forensic research support, and consulting for equipment implementation, workflow optimization, and ISO 17025 accreditation preparation.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion2 records

Distribution channels5 records

Marketing channels6 records

Core offering

Bode Technology Group is the largest private forensic DNA analysis laboratory in North America, providing end-to-end forensic DNA testing services to law enforcement agencies and crime laboratories. The company analyzes sexual assault kits, cold case evidence, missing persons samples, and post-conviction cases, while also selling proprietary ISO 18385 Forensic DNA Grade DNA collection products and distributing ISO/IEC 17043-accredited IQAS proficiency testing kits globally.

Product overview

Bode Technology Group operates the largest private DNA analysis laboratory in the United States, offering a comprehensive suite of forensic DNA testing services and DNA collection products. The company provides end-to-end solutions including optimized extraction methods, STR/ Y-STR/ mtDNA analysis, and Forensic Investigative Genetic Genealogy (FIGG). Core services include Sexual Assault Kit Testing, Forensic Genealogy Service (FIGG), DNA from Shell Casings, DNA from Rootless Hairs, Rapid DNA Services, BodeHITS™ Local DNA Database, Missing Persons Identification, DNA Databasing, and Post Conviction Testing. Supporting the laboratory services is a portfolio of proprietary DNA collection products including the Bode RapidSwab™ (dual-matrix collection device), FocusDNA Collection Kit, Bode SecurSwab™ 2, Bode BioSafe Swab, Bode SecurSwab DUO-V, Bode Buccal® DNA Collector, Bode Vault™, and Bode Armor®. Technology offerings include Bode X-traction™ (proprietary extraction technology yielding ~10x more DNA), advanced Amplification Systems, Complex Mixture Resolution using probabilistic genotyping (STRmix™), and Automation technologies. The company also provides IQAS Proficiency Testing services (ISO/IEC 17043 accredited) and Validation & Consulting services. All laboratory services operate under ISO/IEC 17025:2017 and FBI Quality Assurance Standards accreditations.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Brands

• BodeHITS: Local DNA database solution that allows law enforcement agencies to maintain control over samples and participate in expanded search opportunities.
• IQAS
• Bode X-traction
• Bode RapidSwab

Products and services

• Forensic DNA Casework Analysis Services Large-scale forensic DNA identity testing services provided under contract to government agencies for criminal investigations, including sexual assault kit testing, cold case analysis, post-conviction testing, and missing person identification. Procured through competitive bidding and custom packages.
• Sexual Assault Kit Testing High-throughput sexual assault kit (SAK) processing and reporting service for law enforcement agencies, supporting backlog reduction and timely investigations.
• Forensic Investigative Genetic Genealogy (FIGG) End-to-end forensic genealogy service combining SNP genotyping of evidence samples, upload to GEDmatch PRO, and genealogical research to identify suspects or relatives in cold cases and missing persons investigations.
• Post-Conviction DNA Testing Advanced DNA testing services for post-conviction cases, including degraded sample analysis, used to support exoneration efforts for wrongly convicted individuals.
• Missing Persons Identification DNA identification services for missing persons and unidentified human remains, including kinship analysis, bone extraction, and forensic genealogy.
• Rapid DNA Services Rapid DNA analysis services utilizing the Applied Biosystems RapidHIT ID System for fast DNA profile generation, particularly for time-sensitive law enforcement and booking applications.
• BodeHITS™ Local DNA Database Local DNA database solution that allows law enforcement agencies to maintain control over samples, search against cooperating agencies, and receive automated hit notifications with 30-day turnaround time.
• IQAS Proficiency Testing ISO/IEC 17043-accredited international quality assessment scheme for forensic DNA proficiency testing, distributing thousands of proficiency test kits quarterly to public and private laboratories worldwide for quality assurance compliance.
• Validation and Consulting Services Laboratory validation services, forensic research support, and consulting for equipment implementation, workflow optimization, and ISO 17025 accreditation preparation.
• Bode RapidSwab™ Patent-pending dual-matrix DNA collection device combining flocked and cotton swabs in a single collector for simultaneous Rapid DNA and traditional laboratory DNA analysis workflows. Compatible with Applied Biosystems RapidHIT ID System cartridges.
• FocusDNA Collection Kit DNA collection kit for family tree building and forensic investigative genetic genealogy (FIGG), including SNP testing with GEDmatch PRO upload for familial matching. Designed for research use only.
• Bode SecurSwab™ 2 Ergonomic crime scene collection product with crush-resistant tube and fast-drying desiccants, featuring ethylene oxide treated cotton swab for collecting reference samples and crime scene evidence.
• Bode BioSafe Swab Crime scene swab pretreated with chemical preservative to inactivate harmful bacteria and enzymes found at crime scenes, preserving DNA samples more effectively than regular cotton swabs.
• Bode SecurSwab DUO-V Versatile dual-swab collection device for both crime scene evidence and reference samples, allowing wet/dry sample collection within a single device or simultaneous collection with two swabs.
• Bode Buccal® DNA Collector Reference sample collection device with greater than 90% first-pass success rate, enabling sample collection in under 20 seconds with ISO 18385 Forensic DNA Grade certification.
• Bode Vault™ and Bode Armor® DNA sample storage solutions; Bode Vault features customizable foil pouch and desiccants for environmental protection, while Bode Armor offers enhanced stability by inactivating naturally occurring microbes and enzymes.

Quantifiable outcome

• 42% reduction in burglaries in Bensalem Township over 4 years
• +5 more outcomes

Named customers10 records

Segments5 records

Ideal customer profiles5 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Integration3 records

AI capability2 records

Feature6 records

Partnerships

Eleven partnerships are on record, tiered strategic, core and minor.

• Sherry Black FoundationstrategicGTM or Marketing Partner · 18 May 2026The Sherry Black Foundation, dedicated to advocating for victims of violent crime, partnered with Bode Technology to advance DNA testing in violent crime investigations, expanding access to forensic DNA services for families seeking justice.
• GEDmatch PRO (QIAGEN)coreTechnology or IntegrationGEDmatch PRO is a secure, law-enforcement-only genealogy database providing Bode Technology access to genetic data for forensic investigative genetic genealogy (FIGG) investigations. Bode uploads SNP profiles generated from evidence and uses the database for familial matching to generate investigative leads in cold cases and missing persons identification.
• Murder Has a Name (Kaylee Goncalves Foundation)strategicGTM or Marketing PartnerThe Murder Has a Name foundation, launched by Steve and Kristi Goncalves, funds advanced forensic DNA testing for violent crime investigations. Bode Technology is one of the forensic technology firms selected to independently review and select cases for funding, providing testing services for funded cases.
• RTI International (NamUs)strategicStrategic or Co-development PartnerBode Technology was named as a partner in RTI International's National Missing and Unidentified Persons System (NamUs) contract, providing advanced DNA testing services including bone extraction, forensic genealogy, and kinship analysis for missing person and unidentified human remains cases.
• ANSI National Accreditation Board (ANAB)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerBode's IQAS proficiency testing service provides summary reports to ANAB for laboratory accreditation compliance, supporting quality assurance standards for forensic DNA laboratories worldwide.
• Thermo Fisher ScientificcoreTechnology or IntegrationPartnership for Rapid DNA solutions including RapidHIT ID instrument validation, support, and cartridge compatibility. Bode RapidSwab is compatible with Applied Biosystems RapidHIT ID System cartridges including ACE and RapidINTEL Plus.
• DNA Labs InternationalminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerCo-partner in Murder Has a Name foundation initiative, providing independent forensic DNA testing and case selection for advanced DNA analysis funding.
• RGEN ForensicsminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerCo-partner in Murder Has a Name foundation initiative for funding advanced forensic DNA testing in violent crime investigations.
• Signature ScienceminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerCo-partner in Murder Has a Name foundation initiative for independent forensic DNA analysis case selection and funding.
• Element Biosciences (AVITI System)coreTechnology or IntegrationBode Technology utilizes the AVITI System for advanced DNA sequencing and analysis in forensic investigative genetic genealogy and complex casework, featuring Avidite Base Chemistry for high-quality sequencing results.
• National Center for Missing and Exploited ChildrenstrategicGTM or Marketing PartnerBode supports NCMEC-funded missing person investigations through advanced DNA testing services and grant funding assistance for families and agencies.

Scale indicators8 records

Recent moves6 records

Expansion highlights5 records

Broad incumbents

• QIAGEN: Global molecular diagnostics and sample technologies company that owns GEDmatch PRO and the former Identitas Genetics forensic business. Comparable through forensic genetic genealogy infrastructure and is a key Bode technology partner.
• Thermo Fisher Scientific: Large life sciences tools company supplying the STR kits, capillary electrophoresis instruments, and RapidHIT ID rapid DNA systems that Bode uses and validates. Overlaps with Bode as a forensic workflow provider, but as part of a much broader life sciences portfolio.
• Eurofins Forensic Services: Global testing services group with a forensic services division offering DNA, toxicology, and crime scene testing to law enforcement across Europe and other regions. Comparable in forensic testing services, but as part of a much larger international testing conglomerate.

Others

• Element Biosciences: DNA sequencing platform vendor whose AVITI system Bode uses for advanced forensic and FIGG sequencing. Enabling/infrastructure peer rather than a competitor — comparable through the shared forensic sequencing workflow.

Direct peers

• RTI International: Non-profit research institute that operates forensic DNA and missing-person programs, including the NamUs contract under which Bode is a subcontracted provider. Comparable in forensic DNA service delivery and a direct partner/competitor for federal forensic casework.
• RGEN Forensics: Forensic DNA laboratory offering relationship testing, forensic casework, and rapid DNA services to law enforcement and government. Direct competitor to Bode, particularly in rapid DNA and casework analysis, and a co-partner in the Murder Has a Name initiative.
• NMS Labs: Independent forensic and clinical toxicology laboratory providing a broad menu of specialized testing including forensic DNA and serology for law enforcement, medical examiners, and attorneys. Comparable business model of high-complexity forensic testing services for government and legal clients.
• Signature Science: Private forensic and DNA analysis laboratory serving law enforcement and government clients, with capabilities spanning forensic biology, DNA, and biometrics. Direct competitor for outsourced DNA casework and a co-partner with Bode in the Murder Has a Name initiative.
• DNA Labs International: Private forensic DNA testing laboratory offering sexual assault kit processing, paternity, relationship testing, and forensic casework to law enforcement agencies. Direct competitor to Bode for outsourced backlog and casework contracts, and a co-partner with Bode in the Murder Has a Name initiative.
• Verogen (QIAGEN): Provider of forensic sequencing kits, GEDmatch PRO genealogy database, and FIGG software/services for law enforcement. Highly comparable to Bode's FIGG offering and a key technology partner via the GEDmatch PRO integration.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat5 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/bode-technology
• Xx.com/BodeTechnology
• Facebookfacebook.com/BodeTechnology

Compliance8 records

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles4 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A1 record

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about Bode Technology Group