Fast Tracks in DNA Analysis: A Comprehensive Review of Rapid DNA Testing Technologies and their Applications

 


What is DNA Testing :

DNA testing also known as genetic testing, it is a medical test that can be used to identify mutations in one’s ‘Genes’, ‘Chromosomes’ and ‘Proteins’, the detection of these mutations can lead to the indication of certain Genetic conditions.

 

Rapid DNA Testing:

Rapid DNA testing is a form of genetic analysis that enables quick and automated analysis of DNA samples to obtain genetic information. The term “Rapid” signifies the reduced turnaround time compared to the traditional testing methods. This approach has gained prominence in applications in various fields which includes law enforcement, forensic science, immigration control, paternity testing, disaster response, and more.

 

Difference between Rapid DNA Testing and Traditional DNA Testing:

SPEED:

    Rapid DNA testing gives the result in 2-3 hours; this property makes this process extremely crucial in the scenarios where timely information is necessary.

    Normal DNA testing is the traditional method that takes way longer time to produce the result which could range from days to weeks, this time duration explains the extensive laboratory processes involved in this technique.

 

Automation:

    Rapid DNA testing is a highly automated process in which many important steps of the analysis is handled by specialized instruments and software that increases the accuracy of the process.

    Normal DNA testing is a traditional method hence it requires a lot of manual labor and hands on techniques carried out by skilled technicians.

 

Complexity:

    Rapid DNA testing mainly focus on specific genetic markers such as short tandem repeats (SRTs) , these test’s results may not be very detailed as compared to some other more traditional methods, but these tests have proved their importance for forensic purposes.

    Normal DNA testing methodologies performs the DNA sequencing or whole genome analysis, they offer comprehensive and highly detailed results carrying important genetic information, they come in handy in the fields of research and study of genes, mutations and genetic conditions.

 

Applications of Rapid DNA testing in the field of FORENSICS:

1. Crime scene investigations:

    Rapid DNA testing can be used at crime scenes to quickly analyze biological samples found at the scene, which may include blood, semen, saliva, sweat. It helps in identification of potential suspects and victims.

2. Biological evidence screening:

    Law enforcement agencies can use rapid DNA testing techniques to screen and set the priorities for analyzing the biological evidences from different crime scenes. This helps in efficient use and allocation of resources.

3. Sexual assault testing kit:

    Rapid DNA testing is extremely important in the cases of sexual assault; it should be added to rape crime scene processing kit, so that the process of identification of suspects is done as quickly as possible it can be possible because this technique delivers the DNA profiles promptly.

4. Mass Disaster victim management:

    In mass casualty incidents such as natural disasters or terrorist attacks, rapid DNA testing can come in handy, for identification of the victims by the comparison of the DNA profiles with the samples from the database; this accelerates the identification and brings closure to the families.

  

Employment Of R-DNA Testing Technique And Its Success In USA :

    USA has employed Rapid DNA Testing technique in their law enforcement process for serving multiple purposes state wise throughout the country as discussed below:

    In 2019, the US Immigration and Customs Enforcement has started using rapid DNA testing at the US border to determine familial relationships of the migrants for detection of human trafficking.

    The state of California has also started using rapid DNA testing for identification of the victims of huge wildfires by taking samples from the human remains to identify the bodies and bring closure to the families.

    In Kentucky, the rapid DNA testing is used for reducing the backlog of DNA tests which are yet to be conducted. It helps to identify sexual assault offenders and clearing the falsely accused.

    In Utah, the rapid DNA testing was used to identify the remains of a missing hiker which was found 10 months after the family last saw him.

    In the state of Minnesota, the rapid DNA testing technique has been successfully used to identify the killer of two infants.

 

India’s Approach Towards Employing R-DNA Testing Techniques In Law Enforcement :

    India as a country has acknowledged the importance and value of R-DNA testing techniques in law enforcement as well as research and development. R-DNA testing has revolutionized genetic testing by being automated and QUICK.

Some recent updates in India related to Rapid DNA testing: 

    Gujarat has become the first state in the country to introduce a rapid test that could confirm within an hour if the meat seized on suspicion of being beef is from a cow, they have called it LAMP DNA method (Loop-mediated Isothermal Amplification) it was developed for forensic investigation of closed inter-species animals. It was developed in the year 2020 by the Kadi Sarva Vishwavidyalaya under the guidance of Prof. Vivek Upasani and Prof Nikunj brahmbhatt.

    In conventional methods of testing, the identification of meat is affected if the sample had been exposed to heat for a long time or analyzed after a long period of seizure or if the sample is mixed with other type of meat LAMP DNA method solves these problems. It gives results in an hour as it is based on RAPID DNA testing.

    Crime investigation in Mumbai is set to get a boost, as the Directorate of Forensic Science Laboratory, Kalina, gets India's first Rapid DNA testing machine. It'll analyze samples in three hours, and speed up the crime detection process.

    It will help reduce the burden on the lab as per reports, Kalina receives 25 unclaimed body cases every month, and the major challenge becomes identification by DNA analysis, but due to the HUGE  backlog reports come in very late, before the employment of Rapid DNA testing machine it took approx 8 Days for a report to come, now with the new technology this process will be fast tracked and completed in 3 Hours only as it is the biggest state run lab it will be benefited to the max by the employment of Rapid DNA Testing machine.

    In the realm of forensic science, the utilization of rapid DNA testing is undeniably a game-changer. It brings about a substantial acceleration in the identification and investigation processes, while simultaneously elevating the precision of results. This dynamic technology assumes a pivotal role in the resolution of crimes and the administration of justice.

 

References:

  1. https://www.azolifesciences.com/article/Role-of-Rapid-DNA-in-Forensic-Science.aspx#:~:text=In%20June%202019%2C%20the%20US,from%20human%20remains%20to%20identify
  2. https://le.fbi.gov/science-and-lab/biometrics-and-fingerprints/codis/rapid-dna
  3. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rapid_DNA
  4. https://www.cnbctv18.com/india/gujarat-rolls-out-rapid-dna-test-to-detect-if-meat-is-beef-in-one-hour-14962601.htm
  5. https://www.mid-day.com/mumbai/mumbai-news/article/mumbai-news-kalina-fsl-to-get-india-s-first-rapid-dna-testing-machine-18493196

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