Even with sampling and laboratory precautions to guard against cross-contamination, it is often difficult to verify if a sample has indeed been contaminated. Ancient and forensic DNA samples may be highly degraded which means it is easy for even small, inadvertent contamination to affect the results. Trace Genetics is continually developing methods to prevent and detect contamination in ancient and forensic samples.

While it is possible to successfully extract and analyze trace amounts of DNA present in materials several thousand years old, undesirable PCR inhibitors that make analysis difficult, if not impossible. Trace Genetics uses protocols that maximize DNA yield from samples and minimizes PCR inhibitors for optimal results.