Rapid DNA (RTX)
Definition
Automated DNA profiling systems that complete extraction, amplification, and electrophoresis from a buccal swab in approximately 90 minutes without a laboratory scientist; integrated with AFIS at booking environments in the US under the Rapid DNA Act 2017.
- Turnaround
- Approximately 90 minutes
- Process
- Extraction, amplification, and electrophoresis in one unit
- Integration
- Linked with AFIS at booking environments
- US legal basis
- Rapid DNA Act 2017
Common questions
What does the Rapid DNA Act 2017 actually authorise in the United States?+
It permits approved Rapid DNA instruments to be used at booking stations to generate a DNA profile that can be searched against CODIS, under FBI quality-assurance standards, without routing the sample through a traditional accredited laboratory first.
Why pair Rapid DNA with AFIS at booking rather than using DNA alone?+
Fingerprint identification through AFIS is already fast and well established for confirming identity at booking. Adding Rapid DNA gives a second, independent biometric that can also flag a match to crime-scene profiles in the DNA database, within a comparable timeframe.
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