Rapid DNA analysis refers to a fully automated process of DNA typing, essentially a "swab in - profile out" system that only takes a couple of hours. Standard DNA typing methods take about 10 hours over several days for DNA profiling of just one sample. These traditional methods require experienced technicians and the use of several expensive instruments and commercial kits. Therefore, scientific advancements have been made to traditional protocols in order to reduce costs and the amount of time for testing. Rapid DNA systems perform a modified method of extraction, short tandem repeat (STR) amplification, and separation and detection of DNA fragments driven by active microfluidics. They also contain an on-board platform for allele calling and generating electropherograms. There are many applications for this type of system: police booking
stations, border security, and human identification in mass disasters
just to name a few. These systems could provide quick investigative
leads, minimize laboratory backlogs, and reduce contamination issues.
There are two systems on the market right now. One is called DNAscan (GE Healthcare and NetBio) and the other is RapidHIT 200 (IntegenX). They are both able to process five samples in less than 90 minutes, but RapidHIT also includes positive and negative controls. Both systems require minimal training on account of fully automated technical capabilities. When I was doing my internship in the summer of 2013, I was able to use these instruments during a demonstration and I even got my own profile from the RapidHIT instrument. I compared it to the one that I produced in my lab and it matched!
Furthermore, there are two types of this type of
analysis, rapid DNA analysis and modified rapid DNA analysis. Rapid DNA
analysis generates a profile without any human intervention, whereas
modified rapid DNA analysis requires human interpretation of the profile
and technical review. The distinction is important because only the
modified rapid DNA analysis profiles are able to be uploaded into CODIS. This database is maintained by the FBI and contains DNA profiles from convicted offenders,
arrestees, and forensic unknowns. DNAscan is the first and only system approved by the FBI to upload profiles to CODIS after scientists have analyzed them.
For more information:
- https://www.fbi.gov/services/laboratory/biometric-analysis/codis/rapid-dna-analysis
- http://www.gelifesciences.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/ProductDisplay?categoryId=364838&catalogId=10101&productId=71366&storeId=11787&langId=-1
- https://promo.gelifesciences.com/gl/DNASCAN-RAPID-DNA/
- https://integenx.com/products/rapid-dna/
- https://www.fbi.gov/services/laboratory/biometric-analysis/codis/codis-and-ndis-fact-sheet
What an advance in technology! After witnessing first hand all the waiting that typically needs to be done in DNA analysis, the importance of technological advances have become very real. I had some issues in our last lab showing contaminates in our chromatograms so elimination of waiting and improved contaminate prevention are a feat. I think it is so cool you had a chance to try it out!
ReplyDeleteIt would be great for crime labs to have such a system available to them. It could greatly help in rapidly identifying DNA from evidence so that those investigating can make decisions faster in a case that may be time sensitive.
ReplyDeleteI wouldn't be so happy, forensic science students. This is the machine that will one day replace you.
ReplyDelete