Thermo Fisher Scientific becomes first to receive FBI approval for rapid DNA crime scene profiles eligible for national CODIS searches

Thermo Fisher Scientific has announced that the Applied Biosystems RapidINTEL Plus Cartridge has received approval from the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s National DNA Index System for use with qualifying forensic crime scene samples. The decision makes Thermo Fisher’s Rapid DNA workflow on the RapidHIT ID System the first to be eligible to generate DNA profiles that can be submitted for searching against the national CODIS database network when FBI requirements are satisfied. The outcome extends access to investigative DNA intelligence that can be produced within hours rather than the days or weeks associated with conventional approaches.

Until now, Rapid DNA technologies were largely confined to reference samples, victim identification, and booking applications. This development opens the door for law enforcement to accelerate their investigative work by potentially matching evidence samples to suspects within hours, supporting faster identification of perpetrators or earlier elimination of individuals from investigative focus, all while upholding FBI quality standards, laboratory oversight, qualified analyst review, and accredited laboratory requirements.

“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.”

Clearance of the Applied Biosystems RapidINTEL Plus Cartridge reflects full compliance with FBI Quality Assurance Standards and the CODIS requirements governing forensic quality, laboratory oversight, analyst review, and accreditation. Qualifying Rapid DNA profiles produced through approved workflows remain subject to established forensic review processes before becoming eligible for national CODIS searching, encompassing laboratory validation, analyst review, and applicable accreditation and quality control procedures. Rapid DNA is designed to work alongside existing forensic laboratory methods rather than replace them.

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Related Topics and Keywords

CODIS, Thermo Fisher Scientific