“Rapid DNA” ― new horizons of forensic DNA profiling using full cycle genetic analyzers

BACKGROUND: The study is a part of a comprehensive research conducted at the Russian Center of Forensic Medical Expertise of the Ministry of Health of the Russian Federation with the ultimate goal of development and implementation of new effective technologies for molecular genetic identity testing and kinship analysis in the realm of national forensic expertise.

AIMS: The objective of the study is to evaluate the possibilities of the “Rapid DNA” technology in application to forensic DNA analysis. One may expect that this technology in the future will ensure the creation of an operational and highly effective procedure for forensic DNA profiling.

MATERIAL AND METHODS: The methodical basis of the work is the genotyping of polymorphic STR-loci of chromosomal DNA in biological material using high-tech fully automated (full cycle) analytical platform RapidHIT: namely, RapidHIT 200 (Integenx, USA) and RapidHIT-ID (Life Technologies/Thermo Fisher, IntegenX (USA) instruments.

RESULTS: Buccal epithelium and blood samples, while being the most common in a forensic DNA testing, have been examined as a validation test objects. Then experiments were carried out with real expert material such as cigarette butts, hair, nails, bones, chewing gum; swabs from different surfaces were examined as test samples as well.

CONCLUSIONS: Based on the data obtained, it can be stated that the Rapid DNA technology as it is implemented in the full-cycle genetic analyzers IntegenX RapidHIT 200 (Integenx, USA) and RapidHIT ID (Thermo Fisher, IntegenX, USA), according to the criteria studied, in general supports the idea of to be introduced into the practice of forensic DNA analysis.