Rapid DNA Analysis
Publication - April 2023
Technological innovations enable rapid DNA analysis implementation possibilities. Concordantly, rapid DNA devices are being used in practice. However, the effects of implementing rapid DNA technologies in the crime scene investigation procedure have only been evaluated to a limited extent. This article is introducing a rapid DNA analysis procedure for crime scene samples outside of the laboratory.
Field Experiment Setup
In this study, a field experiment was set up comparing 47 real crime scene cases following a rapid DNA analysis procedure outside of the laboratory (decentral), with 50 cases following the regular DNA analysis procedure at the forensic laboratory.
Impact on Duration and Quality
The impact on duration of the investigative process, and on the quality of the analyzed trace results (97 blood and 38 saliva traces) was measured. The results of the study show that the duration of the investigation process has been significantly reduced in cases where the decentral rapid DNA procedure was deployed, compared to cases where the regular procedure was used.
Findings on Procedural Delays
Most of the delay in the regular process lies in the procedural steps during the police investigation, not in the DNA analysis, which highlights the importance of an effective work process and having sufficient capacity available.
Limitations of Rapid DNA Techniques
This study also shows that rapid DNA techniques are less sensitive than regular DNA analysis equipment. The device used in this study was only to a limited extent suitable for the analysis of saliva traces secured at the crime scene and can mainly be used for the analysis of visible blood traces with an expected high DNA quantity of a single donor.
Authors
- Rosanne de Roo
- Anna Mapes
- Merel van Cooten
- Britt van Hooff
- Sander Kneppers
- Bas Kokshoorn
- Thalassa Valkenburg
- Christianne de Poot
Forensic Science research group
From DNA testing to chemical analysis: modern techniques enable examination, in minute detail, of crime-scene materials. However, success and fairness depend on correct interpretation and evaluation. The Forensic Science research group is making an important contribution via its work with the police and other parties in the criminal justice chain.