The Right Answers at the Right Time

Check out the latest RapidHIT ID publications. Only have 5 minutes? Check out a high-level summary in the 2021 RHID ACE UNT Validation Poster.

Want more details? See the full journal article. The results of this latest study demonstrated the efficacy and reliability of the Applied Biosystems RapidHIT ID instrument for processing reference buccal swabs. Following the FBI Director’s Quality Assurance Standards (QAS) and Scientific Working Group on DNA Analysis Methods (SWGDAM) validation guidelines, Jennifer Churchill Cihlar and colleagues from the Center for Human Identification, University of North Texas Health Science Center (UNTHSC),processed 253 samples with the ACE GlobalFiler Express Sample Cartridge and RapidLINK software v1.1.5 workflow. Consistent with similar studies, this research demonstrated a first–pass success rate of 92% (full profiles with zero quality flags). A manual review (Modified Rapid DNA Analysis) of flagged samples resulted in an additional eight complete DNA profiles, raising the pass rate to 95%.The few remaining samples were immediately re-run in a new sample cartridge, producing full, quality-flag-free profiles.

The UNTHSC validation study evaluated a range of cheek (buccal) swab collection methods, and as expected, obtained complete, concordant profiles with a higher number of swipes (8-10 swipes; a swipe equals one motion from top to bottom of the cheek). Additionally, full DNA profiles were obtained for aged buccal samples, with no effect on data as storage time increased.

As demonstrated in this study, the RapidHIT ID System provides a fast, automated and accurate method of processing genetic information, whether at a booking station, law enforcement agency or crime laboratory. A powerful investigative tool, Rapid DNA safely provides actionable information in less than two hours to inform investigations, help capture repeat offenders, and exonerate the innocent—helping to make communities safer.

Learn more about the RapidHIT ID System at thermofisher.com/rapiddna.