StarMed launches DNA lab to help solve sexual assault cases

CHARLOTTE — StarMed Healthcare has launched a private forensic DNA lab to help solve sexual assault cases faster.

Arin Piramzadian, Starmed’s Chief Medical Officer, said the new lab will work with local and state agencies throughout the country.

“The biggest issue that we were seeing, one of the things that legislators actually brought to our attention, was ending the backlog of sexual assault kits,” Piramzadian said.

Piramzadian hopes the DNA samples will determine a few different things with the testing.

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“We would want the DNA samples to determine if there’s a possible case, if we’re able to pick out either a defendant or even to show that someone is innocent,” Piramzadian said.

A survivor told Channel 9 private companies are the ones who have the ability to help solve the cases.

“We’re seeing private companies see a need and a need they have the ability to fulfill and then choosing to do that, that should be commended,” Lauren Ratcliffe said.

Ratcliffe says the testing will bring many victims answers and justice.

“Kits end up being collected, and then they sit on a shelf or they’re put at the bottom of the queue,” Ratcliffe said. “You are waiting on this evidence that can help you get closure, that can help you move forward, that can help validate your story.”

North Carolina’s Department of Justice says the state has 16,000 sexual assault kits that are still untested.

Piramzadian says the new StarMed lab could conduct 2,000 to 4,000 tests per year. He says they will also provide DNA testing for homicides, cold cases, and robberies.

“So we have the capacity to do a two week turnaround time on a single sample in most places, unfortunately can take anywhere from eight weeks to 16 weeks,” Piramzadian said.

Ratcliffe said the lab will help eliminate the daunting waiting period for evidence and closure.

“All of these things working in tandem is really going to be a benefit for the entire justice system and for all of the survivors and their families that are waiting for these results,” Ratcliffe said. “So that way they can put painful chapters of their lives behind them.”

StarMed said they will have accreditation for the lab by next month and will start providing DNA lab services from there.

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