University of North Texas Center for Human Identification

 

Case Acceptance Policy:

 

The UNTCHI accepts sexual assault, homicide, property crime and criminal paternity cases for serology and DNA testing at no charge to Texas law enforcement agencies.  We are unable to accept bulk items (e.g. comforters, sheets, clothing) for screening or DNA testing, but can accept small cuttings from these items for testing. 

 

Forensic paternity cases will be considered incomplete until all samples have been received, including the mother’s sample.  Products of conception should be maintained refrigerated and transported on ice within 72 hours of collection.  Fetal material that cannot be transported within 72 hours of collection should be stored and shipped frozen.  If known, please provide the gestational age of the fetus. 

 

Hair submitted for mitochondrial DNA analysis must be examined by a qualified hair examiner prior to submission for DNA testing to determine human origin, and the laboratory must receive a copy of this analysis in the form of a report or certificate. 

 

Additional restrictions apply to the types and number of samples submitted for testing.  Please contact the laboratory for case-specific questions.

 

  

Case Submission:

 

Fill out the Forensic Evidence Submission Form completely, including a signature in the Chain of Custody section.  Cases with insufficient or incomplete paperwork will be considered incomplete and will not be put into the queue. 

 

Evidence can be hand-delivered or shipped via an overnight, trackable carrier (FedEx, UPS, etc.)  Do not ship samples on a Friday or over a holiday.  The laboratory’s shipping address is:

 

                                    UNT Center for Human Identification

                                    3500 Camp Bowie Blvd.

                                    Fort Worth, TX 76107

                                    Attn.: Forensic Laboratory

 

Include a pre-paid, pre-addressed return air bill with the case submission to provide for evidence return to the appropriate agency.  The UNTCHI does not store evidence, and your samples will be returned when testing is complete. 

CONTACT UNTCHI - FORENSICS:

Evidence Custodian Office Toll Free Number: 1-800-763-3147
Evidence Custodian Office Local Number: 817-735-0624
Evidence Custodian Toll Free Fax Number: 1-800-221-3515
Evidence Custodian Office Local Fax Number: 817-735-0553

Mailing Address:    UNT Center for Human ID

                                Evidence Custodian

                                3500 Camp Bowie  EAD - 332

                                Fort Worth, TX  76107

E-Mail: Ruth.Rodriguez-Dunnahoo@unthsc.edu

 

Printable Submission Forms

Forensic Evidence Submission Form