GE
Healthcare Life Sciences, (NYSE: GE), and NetBio
named today several of the laboratories participating in the recently
announced comprehensive developmental validation of DNAscan™ Rapid
DNA Analysis™ System. Leading international and US accredited NDIS
participating forensic laboratories are independently evaluating the
overall system from “swab-in to profile-out”, including the on-board
Expert System software which uses automated data interpretation to
eliminate the need for human review.
Explaining the importance of forensic laboratory participation in the
independent validation, Angelo Della Manna, Chief of Forensic Biology
and DNA, Alabama
Department of Forensic Sciences, said, “Law enforcement agencies
routinely look to us for guidance on cutting edge forensic technologies.
Rapid DNA analysis technology has the potential to be a powerful
investigative tool for law enforcement, but it must be held to the same
strict standards as existing analytical methods. As an internationally
accredited laboratory and one of the original members of the CODIS pilot
program more than 20 years ago, we have a responsibility to assess Rapid
DNA and provide guidance about its technical robustness and efficacy for
the law enforcement community.”
Chris Carney, Supervisor of the DNA Investigative Support Database, Florida
Department of Law Enforcement, added, “The validation of a Rapid DNA
system with an integrated Expert System is a critical step towards
enabling suspects to be identified, included or excluded from the scope
of the investigation while they are still in law enforcement custody.
Our role as forensic scientists is to examine Rapid DNA technology and
ensure the law enforcement agencies we support are equipped with an
independent assessment of what this technology can do for them at the
booking stations in the future.”
Results of the comprehensive multi-laboratory validation process, which
includes meeting an extensive set of FBI Quality Assurance Standards,
will be used to seek NDIS approval to enable forensic laboratories to
submit STR profiles generated by the DNAscan System to CODIS. It is also
a critical step toward the ultimate goal of obtaining approval for the
DNAscan System to be used by law enforcement as part of the routine
booking procedure1.
The forensic laboratories participating in the validation also includes
international representation to ensure the interests of law enforcement
agencies outside the United States are represented. Dr. Farida
Alshamali, Deputy General Director for Technical Affairs, Dubai
Police Crime Laboratory, noted, “We are excited to be a part of a
group that is establishing the value of Rapid DNA analysis for law
enforcement. Having DNA results in 90 minutes could speed up
investigative leads, prevent future crimes and provide safer
communities.”
Mike Benevento, General Manager, Human Identification, GE Healthcare
Life Sciences, said, “Crucial to our responsible adoption approach is
working with accredited laboratories that have highly respected
technical experts from the forensic and law enforcement communities.
Their involvement strengthens our efforts and brings us an important
step closer to a fully integrated Rapid DNA system approved for use as
part of the overall booking process.”
In addition to NetBio, some of the laboratories participating in the
developmental validation of the DNAscan System include:
Alabama Department of Forensic Sciences - http://www.adfs.alabama.gov/
Florida Department of Law Enforcement - http://www.fdle.state.fl.us
Michigan State Police - https://www.michigan.gov/msp
Dubai Police Crime Laboratory - http://www.dubaipolice.gov.ae/
1. The FBI’s
Rapid DNA Initiative aims to integrate Rapid DNA instruments
effectively within the existing CODIS structure and is leading the
development of the regulatory and policy approach for use of Rapid DNA
Analysis during the booking process.
About the DNAscan System
DNAscan Rapid DNA Analysis System is a fast, rugged, and easy-to-use
rapid DNA analysis system developed to enable law enforcement agencies
to process DNA samples in under 90 minutes, thereby helping to
accelerate the criminal investigation process. In August 2013, an
article by NetBio describing the technical basis of the system was
published in a peer-reviewed journal, demonstrating an important
milestone toward the DNAscan System’s acceptance by the forensic
community. For more information visit www.gelifesciences.com/DNAscan
About GE Healthcare
GE Healthcare provides transformational medical technologies and
services to meet the demand for increased access, enhanced quality and
more affordable healthcare around the world. GE (NYSE: GE) works on
things that matter - great people and technologies taking on tough
challenges. From medical imaging, software & IT, patient monitoring and
diagnostics to drug discovery, biopharmaceutical manufacturing
technologies and performance improvement solutions, GE Healthcare helps
medical professionals deliver great healthcare to their patients. For
more information about GE Healthcare, visit our website at www.gehealthcare.com
About NetBio
Founded based on pioneering microfluidic research performed at MIT's
Whitehead Institute, NetBio was incorporated in 2000 in Greater Boston
and has received significant support from both government agencies and
industry. NetBio has developed a series of enabling microfluidic and
molecular biology technologies applicable to both forensics and clinical
diagnostics. These enabling technologies include sample preparation and
DNA purification, rapid thermal cycling, highly multiplexed
amplification, focused DNA sequencing, optical detection of DNA
sequences, and nucleic acid separation and detection. NetBio's focus is
the development of fully automated and integrated products for use by
non-technical operators outside the laboratory. The Company’s innovative
technologies are critical to address the enormous unmet needs of the
rapidly emerging Rapid DNA Analysis markets, and NetBio is
commercializing its field forward ANDE Rapid DNA products for military
and homeland security applications around the world. For more
information about NetBio, visit the website at www.netbio.com.
Copyright Business Wire 2014