New Simplified Sperm Identification Technology Dramatically Speeds Assault Evidence Results.

McCrone Microscopes & Accessories Team with Independent Forensics DNA Testing & Technologies To Offer a New Sperm Locator and Imaging System Technology

WESTMONT, Ill. -- McCrone Microscopes & Accessories, the instrument sales division of The McCrone Group, Inc., internationally recognized as a world leader in microanalysis and the nation's Premier Microscopy Resource, announced today that it has jointly teamed with Independent Forensics DNA Testing & Technologies to offer the SPERM HYLITER PACKAGE, a new sperm identification and imaging system which permits dramatically faster, simpler, and more efficient sperm identification for crime laboratories. Located in Hillside, IL, Independent Forensics DNA Testing & Technologies is one of the country's leading DNA forensic laboratories.

SPERM HYLITER enables forensic laboratories to accurately, quickly, and precisely identify sperm in sexual assault cases. This new technology meets laboratory audit standards for evidence preservation and directly addresses the backlog of untested rape cases.

Standard staining techniques, such as KPIC (Christmas Tree stain) or H & E, for locating and determining the presence of sperm in sexual assault cases are not specific for sperm and rely on morphology for identification. Using SPERM HYLITER only human sperm are identified and sperm hidden by debris or cellular material are easily visualized.

SPERM HYLITER employs a unique method to fluorescently label human sperm from sexual assault evidence. The new technology can easily be incorporated into current forensic laboratory practice.

McCrone is offering a SPERM HYLITER PACKAGE, which includes this new kit paired with an Olympus microscope and computer imaging system. McCrone can customize an easy-to-use data basing/image capture system which will store all images and supporting documentation.

"For years McCrone Microscopes & Accessories has been seeking ways to help forensic laboratories find a viable solution to make sperm identification and documentation much faster and easier," said Donald A. Brooks, President & CEO, The McCrone Group. "We believe this revolutionary new approach and technology will greatly impact sperm testing and change the way sexual assault evidence is handled," he added.

"It was well understood that the previous methods used were 30 to 50 years old and did not offer the specificity that is now demanded and required by the forensic community," said Dr. Karl Reich, Chief Scientific Officer, Independent Forensics DNA Testing & Technologies. "We are very excited about this joint effort with The McCrone Group on the development of the SPERM HYLITER PACKAGE.

For more information about the SPERM HYLITER PACKAGE including requisite equipment and training contact McCrone Microscopes & Accessories at 630-887-7100 or www.mccrone.com; and Independent Forensics DNA Testing & Technologies at 866-434-2400 or www.ifi-test.com.

McCrone Microscopes & Accessories, The McCrone Group's instrument sales division, offers a complete line of Olympus microscopes, Linkam Hotstages, and PAX-it imaging/archival system, along with other microscopy related accessories, reference standards, and resource books. McCrone Microscopes & Accessories is a national dealer for Olympus polarized light microscopes, Linkam heating/freezing stages, and PAX-it imaging software. The McCrone Division, established in 1960, offers one of the most complete lines of products and accessories for the optical microscopist.

About The McCrone Group

Founded in 1956 and located in Westmont, Illinois, The McCrone Group, Inc. is internationally recognized as "The Premier Microscopy Resource" and a world leader in materials analysis.

Today, The McCrone Group combines the talents and skills of McCrone Associates, McCrone Microscopes & Accessories, the College of Microscopy, the online McCrone Atlas of Microscopic Particles, and ModernMicroscopy.com.

McCrone Associates, the analytical service division, is focused on solving some of the most difficult materials analysis problems along with the day-to-day needs of forensic, pharmaceutical, materials, and environmental laboratories, scientific researchers, and government organizations worldwide.

McCrone Microscopes & Accessories, the instrument sales division, offers a complete line of microscopes and microscopy related instruments, reference standards, and resource books.

The College of Microscopy, the Group's new Microscopy Learning Center, provides training to both industry and government scientists and teachers worldwide. The staff of The McCrone Group has been teaching scientists and researchers for more than 40 years. Today the College of Microscopy offers more than 35 courses a year to the technical and educational community around the world.

The Atlas of Microscopic Particles (www.mccroneatlas.com), the Group's new online particle resource, is the first of its kind internet-based particle reference for scientists, microscopists, criminalists, and teachers engaged in the materials identification area.

ModernMicroscopy.com, McCrone's online peer-reviewed journal, publishes articles, scientific tips, and tutorials contributed by scientists from around the world.

For further information about The McCrone Group, please visit www.mccrone.com.

About Independent Forensics DNA Testing & Technologies

Located in Hillside, IL, Independent Forensics DNA Testing & Technologies is a fully accredited working DNA laboratory that focuses on all aspects of DNA testing including forensic DNA, family relationship testing and medical genetics. In addition, Independent Forensics manufacturers and sells the RSID[TM] line of body fluid identification products for forensic laboratories worldwide. For more information contact Independent Forensics DNA Testing & Technologies at 866.434.2400 or www.ifi-test.com.