RapidHIT for the purpose of stain analyses - An interrupted implementation

Samuel Boiso, Erik Dalin, Heidi Seidlitz, Maja Sidstedt, Elias Trygg, Johannes Hedman, Ricky Ansell

    Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

    Abstract

    Rapid DNA instruments have in recent years been developed, enabling analysis of forensic samples with a minimum of human intervention. Initially intended for fast handling of reference samples, such as samples from suspects in booking suites, attention shifted to include crime scene samples. The aim of this study was to determine whether or not the RapidHIT System (IntegenX) is fit for crime scene samples. The first runs gave very poor results, which was found to be due to an incorrect firmware setting leading to no or just minute amounts of amplicons being injected for electrophoresis. After solving this problem, 28 full runs (seven samples each) applying NGM SElect Express were performed comprising various amounts of blood on cotton swabs. Six of the runs failed completely, four due to cartridge leakage and in two runs the PCR mix was not injected. For 155 samples with 1-5. μL blood (volumes for which complete DNA profiles are expected), 119 samples (77%) gave complete DNA profiles. Among the most serious failures were incorrect allele calling and leakage of DNA extract or PCR product. Other general issues were failure to export results, anode motor breakdown and broken capillary array. Due to the encountered problems with software, hardware and cartridges, together with the low success rate, it was decided not to continue towards implementation of the RapidHIT System in casework.

    Original languageEnglish
    Pages (from-to)e589-e590
    JournalForensic Science International: Genetics Supplement Series
    Volume6
    DOIs
    Publication statusPublished - 2017 Dec

    Subject classification (UKÄ)

    • Forensic Science

    Free keywords

    • Automation
    • Forensic DNA analyses
    • Rapid DNA
    • RapidHIT System
    • STR

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