Rapid DNA describes the fully automated (hands free) process of developing a CODIS Core STR profile from a reference sample buccal swab. The “swab in – profile out” process consists of automated extraction, amplification, separation, detection and allele calling without human intervention.
Contents
The FBI established a Rapid DNA Program Office in 2010 to direct the development and integration of Rapid DNA technology for use by law enforcement. The Program Office works with the Department of Defense, the Department of Homeland Security, the National Institute of Standards and Technology, the National Institute of Justice, and other federal agencies to ensure the coordinated development of this new technology among federal agencies. The Program Office also works with state and local law enforcement agencies and state bureaus of identification through the FBI’s Criminal Justice Information Services Division Advisory Policy Board to facilitate the effective and efficient integration of Rapid DNA in the police booking environment.
Several manufacturers have developed instruments for Rapid DNA analysis such as IntegenX, based in Pleasanton, CA. Following commercial availability, the FBI will work with federal, state, and local CODIS laboratories and the Scientific Working Group on DNA Analysis Methods to test, evaluate, and validate the hands-free instruments for law enforcement use. As of March 18th 2016 one Rapid DNA instrument has been approved by the FBI for submission of samples to NDIS/CODIS: the DNAScan manufactured by NetBio in Waltham, MA.
Law Enforcement Use of Rapid DNA
The goal of the FBI’s Rapid DNA initiative is to develop commercial instruments capable of producing a CODIS-compatible DNA profile within two hours and to integrate those instruments effectively within the existing CODIS structure to search unsolved crimes while an arrestee is in police custody during the booking process.
In 2012 the Palm Bay, Florida, Police Department received the first commercially produced rapid DNA unit placed in a police agency; an IntegenX RapidHIT 200 unit. In January 2014, after a year of testing and validation, the Palm Bay Police began generating leads on real-world criminal cases, including producing a DNA profile in 90 minutes that linked a suspect to a burglary of a U.S. soldier’s home that occurred while he was in Afghanistan. The Palm Bay Police department is known for applying various innovation technologies in real-life situations and is the pioneer of the use of private lab services to create an effective DNA database.2
Future of Rapid DNA
At this time, it is not known when law enforcement agencies will be able to search profiles developed by a Rapid DNA instrument in CODIS. There are a number of issues relating to the use of Rapid DNA analysis that will need to be addressed, such as the laboratory accreditation requirements of the DNA Identification Act of 1994 (42 U.S.C. §14132) as well as compliance with the FBI Director’s Quality Assurance Standards. In addition, the FBI is working on how to integrate this technology first into CODIS laboratory operations and then into police booking locations. Important issues relating to the validation and certification of the Rapid DNA analysis instruments must be resolved before implementing this new technology as part of the booking process. Guidelines for the use of this technology are being developed and training will also be needed for law enforcement and laboratory personnel to use the new technology in a manner that maintains the quality and integrity of CODIS and the National DNA Index System.
Popular Culture
RapidHit is mentioned in CSI: Crime Scene Investigation season 15 episode 1 "The CSI Effect", first aired Sept 29th 2014.