Identilab

Most people think DNA testing is fairly straightforward: half your DNA comes from your mother, half from your father. But biology can sometimes throw a curveball.

In our latest blog post, we explore a fascinating genetic phenomenon called chimerism, where a person can carry more than one DNA profile in their body. We also share a real case study from our laboratory where a bone marrow transplant initially complicated a paternity test.

It’s a great reminder that DNA testing isn’t just about technology... it’s about scientific interpretation too.

Read the full article here 👇

Chimeras: When One Person Has Two DNA Profiles | Identilab Discover how chimerism and bone marrow transplants can create multiple DNA profiles and complicate paternity testing, explained by the scientists at Identilab.

🌟 Identilab Welcomes Dr Kelly Grisedale as Principal Scientist

We are delighted to announce the appointment of Dr Kelly Grisedale as Principal Scientist at Identilab.

Kelly brings more than a decade of experience in forensic genetics, human identification, and advanced DNA analysis, with senior roles at the Australian Federal Police and Forensic Science SA. Her expertise is supported by an extensive record of research, publications, and national collaboration.

In her new role, Kelly will provide strategic operational leadership across Identilab’s DNA testing services - strengthening scientific oversight, supporting our team, and ensuring we continue to deliver accurate, timely, and ethically grounded results to our clients across Australia and New Zealand.

This appointment represents an important step in Identilab’s continued growth and our commitment to maintaining the highest standards of quality, innovation, and client care.

Please join us in welcoming Kelly to the Identilab team.

At Identilab, we’re in the process of developing our first formal Sustainability Policy - part of our commitment to reducing our environmental footprint and making more responsible choices in how we operate.

We’ve already introduced several initiatives that are making a real difference day-to-day:
♻️ TerraCycle Australia & New Zealand recycling for our single-use laboratory items, including gloves, hair caps, and face masks
🛍️ Switching our bin bags to biodegradable or recycled options through Ecobags & Ecopack
🌿 Separating and recycling all recyclable materials, and diverting organic waste into compost with Ecobin Australia
🥤 Taking eligible bottles and cans to Containers for Change QLD (COEX)
🚿 Upgrading our taps and toilets to water-saving devices as part of ongoing facilities improvements
⚡ Using an energy meter to monitor our power usage and identify where we can reduce consumption

While we’re doing what we can, there’s an opportunity for bigger impact across the industry. We’d love to encourage our suppliers - Thermo Fisher Scientific, Promega Australia, and QIAGEN - to consider implementing a styrofoam recycling or recovery program. We currently drop off all styrofoam packaging to the Brisbane City Council resource recovery centre to keep it out of landfill. Getting our suppliers on board would help reduce reliance on virgin materials and support a cleaner, more circular economy in Australia.

Here’s to building a smarter, more sustainable future in science. 🌍