In this study, researchers assess the use of Rapid DNA technology to process forensic samples.
This collaborative multi-laboratory study tests enhanced Rapid DNA technology for potential use on forensic samples for CODIS. The study included six external laboratories (in addition to FBI/NIST) for each of the two Rapid DNA manufacturers and was designed to test the end-to-end Rapid DNA forensic sample analysis process of the instrumentation. The analysis process was baselined for each manufacturer with the extraction of test samples containing known DNA quantities determined through cell counting. The two main objectives of this study were to determine the limitations of the enhanced technology through sensitivity and mixture studies and to determine any variability between instruments of the same manufacturer. Pre-commercial products were purchased from each manufacturer for the study. The FBI coordinated the study and partnered with NIST for sample creation and data analysis. The results from this study can assist laboratories in validating these new enhanced Rapid DNA cartridges for forensic sample use by making informed decisions about their internal validations and interpretation procedures for modified Rapid DNA analysis.