Independent Forensics

What Independent Forensics does

Independent Forensics (IFI) is an ISO 17025 accredited forensic DNA laboratory and consumable product manufacturer founded in 2002 and headquartered in Lombard, Illinois. The company operates a dual business: it provides accredited forensic, immigration, paternity, species-identification, and expert-witness DNA testing services to law enforcement, defense attorneys, prosecutors, USCIS/embassy clients, healthcare providers, and private individuals, while simultaneously selling proprietary forensic kits and instrumentation to crime laboratories worldwide. Its core product portfolio centers on two integrated workflows: the SPERM HY-LITER™ family of fluorescent staining kits and customized Zeiss microscope systems for specific human sperm detection in sexual assault evidence, and the ONE TOUCH™ DNA Rescue Kit family (Touch, Fingerprints, Adhesives, LCM, and Large variants) for recovering DNA from low-template and challenging evidence. Supporting products include iPLEX STR™ multiplex STR kits covering 18 loci plus Amelogenin, AMPLICON Rx™ post-PCR cleanup kits, RSID™ human-fluid detection kits, and verIFI™ for Healthcare, a DNA-based specimen provenance verification service for pathology labs run under CAP/CLIA accreditation.

The company's underlying technology combines immunofluorescent detection (fluorescent-tagged mouse monoclonal antibodies, Alexa488, DAPI, and propidium iodide stains) with proprietary fluorescence cube optics and a 1-column DNA purification chemistry that delivers roughly 80% recovery versus traditional bind/wash/elute losses. Pricing follows a tiered unit model — SPERM HY-LITER reagents range from $200 to $2,307, ONE TOUCH kits from $40 to $750, iPLEX STR kits from $172 to $1,130, and microscope systems from $5,250 (SPERMCAM) to $57,000 (SPERM-SCOPE). Go-to-market is sales-led and product-led in parallel: products sell direct via the Shopify storefront (store.ifi-test.com) and editable order forms in the US, while international sales run exclusively through a protected authorized distributor network. Service revenue is generated direct from the Lombard laboratory with mobile collections available, supported by ISO 17025, AABB, and CAP/CLIA accreditations that function as regulatory barriers to entry and underpin court admissibility of results. The company also markets through ISFG and MAFS industry conferences, a YouTube channel, and a Facebook presence targeting forensic laboratory buyers.

Name

Independent Forensics

Legal name

Independent Forensics

Website

https://ifi-test.com

Company type

Private

Founded year

2002

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

11–50 employees

Short description

Independent Forensics is an ISO 17025 and AABB accredited forensic DNA lab in Lombard, Illinois that sells proprietary forensic kits (SPERM HY-LITER, ONE TOUCH, iPLEX STR, AMPLICON Rx) to crime laboratories worldwide and provides forensic, immigration, paternity, species-ID, and expert-witness DNA testing services to law enforcement, legal clients, healthcare providers, and private individuals.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Forensic DNA Testing Services

NAICS

Medical Laboratories (621511), Testing Laboratories and Services (541380), Medical and Diagnostic Laboratories (6215)

SIC

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

akta.pro primary industry

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

akta.pro secondary industries

Forensic Science & Crime Laboratories (Justice System Support) (BPAIAFAI), Identity & Authenticity Verification for Label Accuracy (species, varietal, adulteration) (AFALAHAF)

Keywords

• Forensic DNA testing
• DNA paternity testing
• DNA STR profiling
• Touch DNA recovery
• Specimen verification services

Headquarters

HQ city

Lombard

HQ country

United States

HQ region

North America

Offices1 record

Markets served

GTM type

B2B and B2C

Offering type

Services

Cost components

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

Revenue model

1. Forensic DNA Testing Services: ISO 17025 accredited laboratory providing forensic DNA testing to law enforcement, defense, prosecution, and private clients. Includes case review and expert witness testimony in state, federal, and international courts.
2. DNA Testing Services: DNA immigration and paternity testing services. AABB accredited lab for immigration testing with USCIS/Embassy support.
3. Forensic Products: Sale of forensic laboratory products including SPERM HY-LITER kits, ONE TOUCH DNA rescue kits, iPLEX STR kits, microscopes, reagents, and accessories. One-time purchase model for consumables and equipment.
4. Species ID Services: Testing services to identify origin of biological material at genus and species levels for non-human blood/tissue, meat type, and fish type identification.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion2 records

Distribution channels3 records

Marketing channels5 records

Core offering

Independent Forensics operates an ISO 17025 accredited forensic DNA laboratory providing forensic DNA testing, AABB accredited paternity and immigration DNA testing, species identification, and expert witness testimony. The company develops and manufactures proprietary forensic DNA kits and reagents, including SPERM HY-LITER fluorescent sperm detection kits, ONE TOUCH DNA rescue kits for touch/fingerprint/adhesive/LCM evidence, iPlex STR multiplex kits, AMPLICON Rx post-PCR cleanup kits, and customized Zeiss microscope systems for forensic laboratories worldwide.

Product overview

Independent Forensics (IFI) is an ISO 17025 accredited forensic DNA laboratory and product manufacturer based in Lombard, Illinois, providing forensic DNA testing services and a comprehensive portfolio of forensic DNA products to crime laboratories worldwide. The product portfolio centers on two integrated workflows: (1) SPERM HY-LITER Kits, SPERM HY-LITER Express Kits, and SPERM HY-LITER PI Kits — fluorescent staining kits for specific detection and isolation of human sperm cells in sexual assault evidence, supported by SPERM HY-LITER Microscope Systems (customized Zeiss fluorescence microscopes with SpermCapture imaging software), SPERM HY-LITER Microscope Slides, and reagents/accessories; and (2) ONE TOUCH DNA Rescue Kits (Touch, Fingerprints, Adhesives, and LCM variants, plus Collection Kits and Large Kits) — DNA recovery and purification kits that maximize DNA yield from low-quantity and challenging evidence types. Additional products include iPlex STR Kits (multiplex STR kits for 18 STR loci plus Amelogenin for CODIS profiling), Amplicon Rx Kits (post-PCR cleanup for signal boost), Rapid Stain ID (RSID) Kits (human fluid detection), and verIFI for Healthcare (DNA-based specimen verification for pathology labs). Services include DNA forensic testing, DNA immigration testing (AABB accredited), DNA paternity testing (AABB accredited), species identification, and expert witness testimony.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Brands

• verIFI: Healthcare sample identity verification service using DNA-based testing to match patient samples to their DNA profiles, eliminating specimen misidentification in pathology.
• SPERM HY-LITER
• ONE TOUCH
• iPLEX STR
• AMPLICON Rx

Products and services

• SPERM HY-LITER Kits Complete fluorescent staining kit for detecting and identifying human sperm cells in sexual assault evidence using fluorescent-tagged mouse monoclonal antibody (Alexa488) and DAPI nuclear stain. Designed for forensic laboratories, available in Small (26 x 11mm wells), Medium (50 x 11mm wells), and Large (150 x 11mm wells) reagent configurations with pricing starting at $395 USD.
• SPERM HY-LITER PI Kits Fluorescent staining kit variant optimized for laser capture microdissection (LCM) and micro-manipulator picking. Uses propidium iodide nuclear stain to avoid UV damage and PEN/PET membrane interference, providing brighter signal on non-coverslipped slides for sperm isolation techniques.
• SPERM HY-LITER PI SOS Kits Solution staining kit variant of SPERM HY-LITER PI with International DTT included, available in 50-stain and 150-stain sizes. Ships internationally and is optimized for LCM workflows.
• SPERM HY-LITER Express Kits Faster version of the SPERM HY-LITER staining kit with reduced staining time (~60 minutes vs. standard protocol). Uses a brighter fluorophore while maintaining the same staining technique, confirmation steps with DAPI, and single-sperm sensitivity. Available in Mini, Small, Medium, Large, and SOS (International) configurations starting at $200 USD.
• SPERM HY-LITER Microscope Slides Specialized microscope slides for use with SPERM HY-LITER staining kits, available in multiple well configurations (1x6mm, 1x8mm, 1x11mm, 2x11mm, 4x8mm, 24x60mm) and pack sizes of 25 slides with optional storage boxes. Pricing starts at $36 USD. Used for staining smear slides and extracts.
• SPERM HY-LITER Reagents and Accessories Replacement reagents and accessories for SPERM HY-LITER kits including hydrophobic pen, gaskets, positive control slides, wash buffer, mounting media, fixative, and ready-made DTT in various sizes including international versions.
• SPERM HY-LITER Microscope Systems Complete customized Zeiss microscope and imaging systems for SPERM HY-LITER sperm searching and cell isolation. Includes exclusive pretested fluorescence cubes, digital imaging system, SPERM HY-LITER kits with premade DTT, and on-site hands-on training. Available in Manual, Sperm Isolation (aureka), and LCM configurations starting at $5,250 USD.
• ONE TOUCH DNA Collection Kits DNA-free collection kits for field and laboratory DNA sampling. Includes One Touch DNA Free Lift Cards (15/pkg) and One Touch Collection Field Kits (20 ea. DNA-free swabs with NDLB Collection Buffers). Used for evidence collection prior to DNA rescue processing.
• ONE TOUCH DNA Rescue Touch Kits DNA rescue kit for touch DNA evidence from handled objects, tools, firearms, unfired rounds, zipper pulls, and IEDs. Features optimized collection/lysis buffer, 80% DNA recovery versus 80% loss in bind/wash/elute methods, and 1-step spin column purification concentrating DNA up to 5X.
• ONE TOUCH DNA Rescue Fingerprints Kits DNA rescue kit for latent fingerprints identified with powders, dyes, fuming, deposition, or vacuum methods. Removes inhibiting powders and dyes, reduces mixed profile chances, and enables DNA profiling from latents not suitable for comparison, smudges, partials, and streaks.
• ONE TOUCH DNA Rescue Adhesives Kits DNA rescue kit for adhesive-tape evidence including duct tape, electrical tape, postage stamps, sticky tape, and lifts. Includes adhesive taming material and is wet-wop friendly for in-situ JJ chamber digestion or swab collection.
• ONE TOUCH DNA Rescue LCM Kits DNA rescue kit for laser capture microdissection (LCM) samples - dissected or isolated sperm or epithelial cells from sexual assault evidence stained with SPERM HY-LITER PI and compatible with Zeiss PALM, Leica, MMI, DEPArray, or Aureka systems. Fulfills the promise of LCM with DNA profiles from 25 or more cells.
• ONE TOUCH DNA Rescue Large Kits Comprehensive DNA rescue kit combining touch, fingerprint, and adhesives capabilities in one large format, including accessories for all three evidence types. Small kits available at half price.
• iPlex STR Kits Multiplex STR kits for 18 STR loci plus Amelogenin (CODIS+5), covering more loci at half the price of standard kits. Uses 5-dye system compatible with existing ABI3100 series and ABI310 instruments. Lyophilized format ships at room temperature with 1-year shelf life. Available in 24, 48, and 96 reaction formats starting at $172 USD.
• Amplicon Rx Kits Post-PCR cleanup kits for DNA-STR multiplex recovery. Prescribed for low template reactions, inhibited PCR, touch DNA, and anytime more signal is needed. Achieves 7-20x RFU boost in a 10-minute, 1-column, 1-buffer, 1-elution SOP (no wash steps). Available in 10, 20, and 40 test kit sizes starting at $72 USD.
• Rapid Stain ID (RSID) Kits RSID kits designed for fast, easy, and reliable detection of specific human fluids from a variety of samples encountered by forensic laboratories. Bulk and educational discounts available.
• verIFI for Healthcare DNA-based healthcare specimen verification service that matches patient samples to pathology samples using DNA profiling. Eliminates sample misidentification, confirms specimen provenance, and reduces diagnostic errors (addressing the 1% error rate in test results from mix-ups, floaters, labeling errors). Uses CAP/CLIA accredited lab with 3-4 business day standard turnaround and 2-3 day expedited service. Reports are court-admissible.
• DNA Forensic Testing Services ISO 17025 accredited laboratory providing forensic DNA testing services to law enforcement, defense, prosecution, and private clients. Includes case review and expert witness testimony in state, federal, and international courts.
• DNA Immigration Testing AABB accredited DNA immigration testing for USCIS/US Embassy, foreign birth abroad, and US State Department applications.
• DNA Paternity Testing Nationwide DNA paternity testing with AABB accredited laboratory and pain-free sample collection by trained technicians.
• Species Identification Biological species identification service identifying the origin of biological material at the Genus and Species levels. Covers non-human blood/tissue ID, meat type ID, and fish type ID.
• DNA Expert Witness Detailed case review and expert witness testimony. Experienced staff has testified in state, federal, and international courts on criminal and civil matters.

Quantifiable outcome

• Up to 80% time savings in identifying sperm from sexual assault evidence
• +2 more outcomes

Named customers4 records

Segments4 records

Ideal customer profiles4 records

Technology focussed Yes

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Integration9 records

AI capability3 records

Feature6 records

Partnerships

Three partnerships are on record, tiered core.

• Zeiss/P.A.L.M.coreTechnology or IntegrationCollaboration with Zeiss and P.A.L.M. for microscope systems used with SPERM HY-LITER technology. IFI provides exclusive fluorescence cubes, customized imaging systems, and on-site training for Zeiss microscopes configured for SPERM HY-LITER analysis.
• AurekacoreTechnology or IntegrationPartnership for Aureka cell isolation system used with SPERM HY-LITER LCM (Laser Capture Microdissection) kits. The Aureka robot enables semi-automated sperm cell isolation for DNA analysis.
• International DistributorscoreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorAuthorized distributors for SPERM HY-LITER products in international markets. The company protects and supports all distributors worldwide.

Scale indicators3 records

Recent moves6 records

Expansion highlights6 records

Broad incumbents

• QIAGEN: QIAGEN supplies sample-prep, DNA extraction, and PCR-based forensic testing consumables, overlapping with IFI's ONE TOUCH™ DNA rescue workflow and broader forensic reagent offering as a large, diversified incumbent.
• Thermo Fisher Scientific (Life Sciences): Thermo Fisher's Life Sciences division offers a broad portfolio of STR kits, capillary electrophoresis instruments (e.g., 3500 series), and forensic reagents that compete with IFI's iPLEX STR™ kits and overall forensic lab workflow.
• Orchid Cellmark (LabCorp Identity): Orchid Cellmark, now part of LabCorp, provides forensic DNA testing, paternity, and immigration services through accredited labs, directly comparable to IFI's forensic and relationship DNA testing services within a much larger parent organization.

Direct peers

• NMS Labs: NMS Labs is a specialty forensic and clinical toxicology laboratory offering accredited testing services to law enforcement, legal, and healthcare customers, comparable in service-line breadth and accreditation-driven model to IFI.
• Bode Technology: Bode Technology is a forensic DNA testing laboratory and product provider serving law enforcement and government clients, directly comparable to IFI's forensic DNA testing services and accredited lab operations.
• Promega Corporation: Promega manufactures STR amplification kits, DNA quantification reagents, and forensic consumables sold to crime labs worldwide, directly competing with IFI's iPLEX STR™ kits and overall forensic reagent portfolio.
• Sorenson Forensics: Sorenson Forensics provides accredited forensic DNA testing and paternity services through AABB-accredited labs, directly overlapping IFI's DNA forensics, paternity, and immigration testing service lines.
• Identigene: Identigene provides consumer paternity DNA testing through accredited lab partnerships, directly overlapping with IFI's paternity testing service line and private client segment.
• DNA Diagnostics Center (DDC): DDC is an AABB-accredited paternity and relationship DNA testing laboratory serving private and immigration clients nationwide, directly comparable to IFI's AABB-accredited paternity and DNA immigration testing services.

Regional players

• Cellmark Forensics: Cellmark Forensics is a UK-based accredited forensic DNA testing laboratory offering paternity, immigration, and criminal casework services, comparable to IFI in service-line breadth but operating primarily in the UK/European market.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat7 records

Key risks5 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• YouTubeyoutube.com/channel/UCRIjv6hQXV2JPB4YmxcwADw/videos
• Facebookfacebook.com/IndependentForensicsDNA

Compliance3 records

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles1 record

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

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

M&A

Investments

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

Frequently asked questions about Independent Forensics