Existing-match analysis is genetic genealogy research performed on genetic matches an agency already holds. Rather than beginning with new SNP testing, it works from match data already in hand to develop surname lines, family trees, and investigative direction for the agency to corroborate.
Existing-match analysis is the review and development of genetic matches that an agency has already obtained. When an upload to a genetic genealogy database has already returned matches, those matches can often be analyzed to identify surname lines, build family trees, and develop possible persons of interest — without immediately commissioning new laboratory testing.
It is one way to extract more investigative value from data the agency already holds before committing additional time and expense. It does not replace confirmatory testing or traditional investigation; it produces investigative leads that the agency must independently corroborate.
An agency may benefit from existing-match analysis when it already has genetic match data but no clear investigative direction from it, when prior vendor work produced matches that were never fully developed, or when it wants to assess whether further testing is warranted before spending on it.
A result from existing-match analysis is an investigative lead, not a confirmed identity. The agency must corroborate any lead through lawful, traditional investigation and confirmatory testing before it can support an arrest, charge, or identification. Treating a genealogy lead as a confirmed identity creates investigative and legal risk.
To request existing-match analysis, schedule a consultation to discuss the case, the match data available, and the questions you need answered. A scope and approach will be defined from that conversation.