Skip to main content Skip to page footer
A Rwanda Government Website

Forensic DNA

The Rwanda Forensic Institute (RFI) provides comprehensive forensic biology and DNA services in support of criminal investigations, judicial proceedings, disaster victim identification, humanitarian investigations, and civil applications requiring scientific human identification.

Using state-of-the-art molecular biology technologies and internationally recognized forensic methodologies, our forensic scientists analyze biological evidence to generate scientifically robust and legally defensible DNA results. Every examination is conducted with the highest standards of scientific integrity, impartiality, confidentiality, and quality assurance.

Our laboratory is committed to delivering reliable forensic evidence that supports fair administration of justice while serving the needs of law enforcement agencies, courts, government institutions, and authorized clients.

Forensic Biological Evidence Examination

RFI conducts scientific examination and screening of biological materials recovered from crime scenes and other investigations, including:

Blood

Semen

Saliva

Hair

Soft tissues

Bones

Teeth

Adhesives (Touch DNA)

Other biological evidence

Our experts identify and preserve biological evidence suitable for DNA analysis while maintaining strict chain-of-custody procedures.

Forensic DNA Profiling

Our DNA laboratory performs comprehensive forensic DNA analysis, including:

DNA extraction and purification

DNA quantification

PCR amplification/STR DNA profiling

DNA profile comparison between evidentiary and reference samples

Interpretation of single-source, mixed, and complex DNA profiles

Report writing& expert witness to the court 

These analyses provide scientifically reliable genetic evidence for criminal investigations and judicial proceedings.

Human Identification

RFI provides DNA-based human identification services for:

Identification of unknown deceased individuals

Analysis of skeletal and highly degraded human remains

Disaster Victim Identification (DVI)

Missing persons investigations using family reference samples

Humanitarian and historical identification projects

Kinship Analysis

Our laboratory performs scientifically validated relationship testing, including:

Paternity testing

Maternity testing

Sibling relationship analysis

Grandparentage testing

Extended family relationship analysis

All relationship analyses are performed using internationally accepted statistical methods and genetic interpretation standards.

Judicial and Civil DNA Testing

RFI provides DNA testing services for both judicial and legally authorized civil purposes, including:

DNA analysis for criminal investigations. 

DNA testing for civil and family law matters. 

Identity verification using DNA evidence.

Law enforcement agencies

Prosecution authorities

Courts of law

Government institutions

Healthcare institutions

International partner organizations under approved cooperation frameworks

Individuals and private clients, where permitted by applicable laws and regulations

Who Can Access Our Services?

Forensic Biology and DNA services are available to authorized clients, including:

Commitment to Quality

Quality is fundamental to every forensic examination conducted by the Rwanda Forensic Institute.

Our laboratory applies validated analytical methods, rigorous quality management systems, and internationally recognized forensic best practices to ensure accurate, reproducible, and legally defensible results.

Throughout every stage of the forensic process, strict chain-of-custody procedures are maintained to preserve the integrity, security, and traceability of all evidence.

Why Choose the Rwanda Forensic Institute?

Highly qualified forensic biologists and DNA scientists

Advanced molecular biology and forensic DNA technologies, including next-generation sequencing (NGS) where applicable

Scientifically validated analytical methods

Secure evidence management and chain-of-custody systems

Independent, impartial, and confidential forensic examinations

Internationally accepted forensic standards and best practices

Commitment to scientific excellence, quality, and continuous improvement in compliance with ISO 9001 and ISO/IEC 17025

Contact Us

To request forensic biology or DNA services, or to obtain guidance on evidence submission and sample collection, please contact the Rwanda Forensic Institute through our official communication channels.

RFI – Advancing Justice Through Science.

Access Forensic Biology & DNA Services Price List