Thermo Fisher Scientific's Applied Biosystems RapidINTEL Plus Cartridge has received approval from the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) National DNA Index System (NDIS) for use with qualifying forensic crime scene samples. The law enforcement milestone makes Thermo Fisher's Rapid DNA workflow on the RapidHIT ID System the first eligible to generate DNA profiles that can be searched against the national CODIS database network when FBI requirements are met. This decision expands access to investigative DNA intelligence that can be generated in hours rather than days or weeks.
Previously, Rapid DNA technologies were primarily used for reference, victim identification and booking applications. This development now enables law enforcement to accelerate their investigations by potentially matching evidentiary samples to suspects in hours rather than days or weeks. This supports faster identification of perpetrators or earlier exclusion of individuals from investigative focus, while maintaining FBI quality requirements, laboratory oversight, qualified analyst review and accredited laboratory standards.
“This approval represents a major milestone for forensic DNA and the criminal justice community,” said Ravi Gupta, vice president and general manager, Human Identification, Thermo Fisher Scientific. “It reflects years of scientific advancement, rigorous validation and collaboration across the forensic community to expand access to trusted, actionable DNA intelligence. For the first time, accredited laboratories can leverage an FBI-approved Rapid DNA workflow to generate qualifying crime scene DNA profiles eligible for national CODIS searches. By providing investigators with reliable forensic information earlier in the investigative process, law enforcement can pursue leads more quickly, eliminate innocent individuals sooner and, ultimately, support better outcomes for victims, families and communities.”
“The ability to generate actionable DNA information earlier in an investigation has the potential to transform how forensic laboratories support law enforcement and the communities they serve,” said Cheryl Carreiro, deputy director of Forensic Biology and DNA, Connecticut Division of Scientific Services. “This approval unlocks the full potential of Rapid DNA for forensic investigations by giving investigators access to the national database and actionable DNA intelligence significantly earlier in the investigative process.”
Approval of the Applied Biosystems RapidINTEL Plus Cartridge reflects compliance with FBI Quality Assurance Standards and CODIS requirements governing forensic quality, laboratory oversight, analyst review, and accreditation standards. Qualifying Rapid DNA profiles generated through approved workflows remain subject to established forensic review processes before eligibility for national CODIS searching, including laboratory validation, analyst review, and applicable accreditation and quality-control processes. Rapid DNA is intended to complement, not replace, established forensic laboratory procedures.
Press release from Thermo Fisher Scientific