ABSTRACT
In the 1980s, the advent of DNA analysis revolutionized forensic investigation and has since been the subject of continuous development. As a part of the latest advancements in the field, rapid DNA analysis forecasts a future in which DNA traces can be analyzed at the scene of the crime, in a fully automated manner. Four main platforms developed for rapid DNA analysis include DNAScan, ANDE, RapidHIT 200, and RapidHIT ID. Baring some contrasts such as the number of samples permitted in a single run, they all reflect the distinct characteristics of the current state of rapid DNA analysis technology. Even though time is significantly reduce from days or weeks to a mere 1.5–2 hours, validation studies reveal that the system is not yet sensitive enough for some types of samples commonly found at crime scenes, predominantly those of touched, mixed, or degraded DNA samples. It, however, shows promising results with regards to samples of larger DNA quantities such as blood and saliva. Due to these recognized shortcomings and consequent lack of system validation, no forensic laboratories has thus far adapted this technology as a regularly used tool. Efforts and collaborations by the manufacturers, the FBI, and the Scientific Working Group on DNA Analysis Methods, among others, has long been and are still active in hopes of developing a validated system that will allow the application of rapid DNA analyses in crime scenes, as the situation currently is with higher-quality reference buccal DNA samples.
