Orchid Cellmark, formerly Helix Biotech and Orchid Helix,  has been a leading provider of parentage, relationship and forensic identity analysis since 1990 in Canada and since 1979 in the US. With involvement in such high profile cases as OJ Simpson, Jon Benet Ramsay, the Green River Killer, Jesse James, the Unabomber and victim identification in the 9/11 case, the name Orchid Cellmark is associated with high quality.

With five DNA testing laboratories on two continents, Orchid Cellmark is one of the largest providers of identity testing services in the world.

The name “Orchid” came from the fact that the Orchid flower is one of the most diversified species on earth. Since DNA identity testing is highly dependent on genetic diversity, Orchid was chosen as a fitting name and the company became a world leader in genetic testing.

The name “Cellmark” stems back to 1987, when Cellmark Diagnostics was formed in both the UK and US to commercialize RFLP technology that was invented by Dr. Alec Jeffreys. Over the ensuing two decades, Cellmark established a leadership position and an outstanding reputation in the field of DNA forensic science.

The two names were combined in 2005.

Orchid Cellmark grew to its current size through the acquisition of a number of industry-leading DNA testing laboratories in the early 2000’s and then through organic growth. Acquired companies include Helix Biotech in Canada. 

Orchid Cellmark’s predecessor companies completed some of the first DNA paternity and forensic tests in the industry and since that time, Orchid Cellmark has completed well over 1.5 million DNA cases. Clients include government agencies, lawyers, private investigators, private clients and major corporations.

Due to its longevity in the DNA testing industry, Orchid Cellmark has extensive corporate experience as well as the individual personal experience of our employees, some of whom have been working in the DNA testing service industry for almost three decades. Orchid Cellmark’s staff members have become leaders in the industry with involvement on several different accreditation committees responsible for setting the standards for the industry.