Guidance

Methods employing rapid DNA devices (FSR-GUI-0015)

Automated rapid DNA systems can include portable devices that can produce STR DNA profile results in under 2 hours for a small number of samples per run.

Documents

Methods employing rapid DNA devices

Request an accessible format.
If you use assistive technology (such as a screen reader) and need a version of this document in a more accessible format, please email [email protected]. Please tell us what format you need. It will help us if you say what assistive technology you use.

Details

This document details requirements, covering the process from sample preparation to profile designation, for rapid DNA devices, that apply to the use of devices employed in:

  • sampling suites (custody suites or offices)
  • incidents (crime scene, mass disaster)
  • part of the laboratory work flow

It covers the following sample types:

a. Buccal reference samples – these are good quality, high quantity DNA samples and not an irreplaceable sample.

b. Recovered biological samples (crime stains, casework) – these are sample types of variable composition, quality and quantity; some samples are irreplaceable. Samples may include blood, cigarette butts, trace/touch DNA, body fluids from sexual assaults, burnt tissue and bone.

Updates to this page

Published 1 April 2021
Last updated 29 August 2023 + show all updates
  1. The enacting of the Forensic Science Act 2021 places guidance documents produced by the Regulator on a different footing from those produced under the non-statutory Codes of Practice and Conduct. Guidance documents issued under the provisions of section 9 of the Act will not set any requirements (instructions that shall be done) as all requirements must be in the Statutory Code of Practice.

  2. First published.

Sign up for emails or print this page