Allentown, Pa. – Health Network Laboratories (HNL) has acquired Fairfax Identity Laboratories and Mitotyping Technologies, two forensic DNA laboratories that recently merged to provide comprehensive DNA testing services in human identification, paternity, criminal investigation, tissue identification, immigration, estate settlements, adoption and species lineage.
The laboratories, both based in State College, Pa., also provide expert witness testimony in high profile forensic cases and have a reputation of working on the most challenging cases using advanced technical and scientific expertise.
“These companies are highly respected in the industry and employ renowned forensic scientists,” said Peter E. Fisher, M.D., president and chief executive officer of HNL. “I am excited about this new acquisition and look forward to their contributions to our forensic pathology and toxicology services, as well as the introduction of new service lines. The acquisition gives HNL a presence throughout the United States and internationally.”
Fairfax Identity Laboratories originally operated in the state of Virginia, and has been at the forefront of DNA testing for forensic analysis, paternity testing and genetic identity since 1990. It is a leading player in the forensic and paternity testing fields, and counts state and federal agencies, police departments, attorneys, private individuals and the Department of Defense among its clients.
In 2014 Fairfax Identity Laboratories merged with Mitotyping Technologies and moved to State College.
Mitotyping Technologies offers forensic mitochondrial and nuclear DNA analysis and it is one of the oldest and most experienced providers of these services, specializing in mitochondrial DNA analysis of shed hairs and hair fragments. The laboratory is accredited by the American Society of Crime Laboratory Directors and AABB Relationship Testing.
Both Fairfax Identity Laboratories and Mitotyping Tehnologies will remain in State College under the direction of Bob Bever, Ph.D., with oversight by HNL Scientific Officer, Jeff Wisotzkey, Ph.D, HCLD, CC,
“The acquisition of these laboratories, their people and their technologies enables HNL and Forensic Pathology Associates, a division of HNL, to provide our clients with a complete forensic pathology service that now includes forensic DNA and paternity testing,” says Fisher. “We are thrilled to have assembled an exceptional team that can serve the growing demand for expert, timely and fully comprehensive forensic diagnostic services.”
ABOUT HEALTH NETWORK LABORATORIES
Headquartered in Allentown, Pa., Health Network Laboratories (HNL) and its New Jersey division located in Turnersville, N.J., is a multiregional, full-service medical laboratory facility serving the needs of more than 10,000 satisfied healthcare providers in the public and healthcare communities. HNL has been providing laboratory services for 35 years, 15 of which have been as an independent laboratory. The lab operates 24/7, 365 days a year and offers a full complement of clinical laboratory and anatomic pathology services, including highly-specialized esoteric testing such as molecular diagnostics, flow cytometry, cytogenetics, toxicology and immunohistochemistry testing. HNL performs tests on 70 million samples annually, employs more than 900 dedicated professionals and retains 25 board-certified pathologists and scientists. The delivery of quality testing services and information, coupled with a personalized touch, is what drives the success of HNL.
