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DNA results in as little as 90 minutes—forensic laboratory, field, and booking rapid DNA identification with the RapidHIT ID DNA System
Built for the specialized missions of forensic laboratories, law enforcement agencies, medical examiner offices, and booking stations, this FBI NDIS approved Rapid DNA platform helps generate DNA results in as little as 90 minutes. In collaboration with forensic DNA laboratory partners, agencies can use RapidHIT ID to support time sensitive human identification, investigative lead development, and qualifying forensic database search workflows.
Triage samples sooner. Generate investigative leads earlier. Automatically enroll and search arrestee DNA profiles against national forensic databases while suspects are still in custody. For urgent human identification workflows, rapid DNA analysis can help identify unknown human remains, disaster victims, survivors, and missing persons when timely answers can guide next steps.
Your evidence doesn't wait. Now your DNA analysis doesn't have to either.
Rapid DNA workflows designed for forensic use, with faster time to insight
- FBI NDIS-approved rapid DNA system
- Lab-quality forensic DNA profiles in as little as 90 minutes with 1 minute of hands-on time
- Widely used chemistries generate results compatible with established DNA databases
- Expert system capable software offers full control of DNA results with powerful sample matching, familial search, kinship, and staff elimination applications
- Enables rapid processing and identifications of crime scene evidence, human remains, and family references—in the lab or in the field
Two cartridges. Every sample type. One automated workflow.
Self-contained sample cartridges transform a multicomponent protocol into a single, user-initiated task
- RFID technology automatically initiates optimized run and analysis protocols and tracks consumable and run information. Standardized algorithms generate reproducible STR profiles within a closed system.
- Single sample cartridges eliminate the need to batch samples, minimize storage and waste needs, and reduce per sample costs
- Processed samples can be recovered from the sample cartridge, enabling retesting with the same system or traditional laboratory methods
Choose the cartridge for your application:
- Applied Biosystems RapidHIT ID ACE GlobalFiler Express Sample Cartridge—optimized for reference samples including buccal swabs collected at the booking station
- Applied Biosystems RapidINTEL Plus Sample Cartridge—optimized for crime scene samples including bloodstains, touch DNA, and other evidentiary materials
Centralized software for managing Rapid DNA workflows
From a single view, a system administrator can confirm status of all locations contributing DNA profiles to RapidLINK for forensic review, check the number of runs per day, and reorder cartridges before consumables run out. With the activation of RapidLINK applications, the trained forensic scientist can transform DNA results into rapid intelligence.
More than rapid results
RapidLINK Software integrates externally generated DNA profiles alongside RapidHIT ID instrument data, helping uncover additional connections across cases and databases.
Did you know that the RapidLINK 2.0 software includes expert system flags and features?
Watch this video to learn more.
Rapid DNA in the booking station
Every minute counts when a suspect is in custody. Learn how laboratories and agencies are collaborating to implement Rapid DNA at booking, ensuring every lawfully owed arrestee DNA is automatically enrolled and searched against unsolved cases.
Rapid DNA at a crime scene for investigative leads
Every minute counts after a crime has been committed. Learn how Rapid DNA helps generate investigative leads and can be combined with other investigative tools at the front of an investigation to help resolve cases faster.
Rapid DNA in the field
Every minute counts when families are awaiting answers. Learn how Rapid DNA is being used in the field to identify victims and reunite families.
Ready to get started? We're here to help
From first demo to full deployment—find the right next step for your agency.
Technical resources and reference guides
Frequently asked questions
Both developmental and internal validations have been performed on the Applied Biosystems RapidHIT ID System. The system has been FBI NDIS-approved for; direct database upload without manual analyst interpretation for arrestee DNA samples, and modified Rapid DNA analysis with evidence samples using the RapidINTEL Plus cartridge. The RapidHIT ID system uses widely adopted and validated STR chemistries that align with established global forensic standards.
For further information on NDIS approvals and CODIS eligibility criteria see https://le.fbi.gov/science-and-lab/biometrics-and-fingerprints/codis/rapid-dna.
Yes. The system uses the same widely adopted STR chemistries found in established forensic laboratory workflows globally, including GlobalFiler Express, which targets core loci recognized by major national database systems worldwide.
Profiles generated by the RapidHIT ID System are compatible with national forensic DNA databases across the United States, Europe, Asia-Pacific, and other regions. The system performs automated data review of data quality. Qualifying results can be uploaded, searched, and matched without manual intervention.
The RapidHIT ID System is designed to complement, not replace a crime lab's existing infrastructure. RapidLINK Software provides centralized monitoring across all instruments at multiple locations from a single dashboard. Processed samples can be recovered and retested using traditional laboratory methods, preserving evidence integrity and chain of custody.
Missouri State Highway Patrol(link needed) deployed RapidHIT ID across nine troop locations and seven forensic laboratories statewide, integrating the system with their state DNA database and existing IT infrastructure while meeting strict Criminal Justice Information Services (CJIS) security requirements.
Connecticut State Police, built a statewide rapid DNA investigative lead program that works alongside — not instead of — their existing laboratory workflows, giving investigators earlier access to DNA-based leads without displacing established forensic processes.
Philadelphia Police Department demonstrated this in practice, running rapid DNA on human remains identification during a mass casualty event while keeping standard DNA processing fully operational for other criminal casework simultaneously. The system acts as a rapid front-end triage layer, accelerating priority cases without disrupting established workflows.
In each case the system acts as a rapid front-end triage layer — accelerating priority cases and generating earlier investigative leads without disrupting the established workflows, accreditation requirements, or chain of custody practices that forensic laboratories depend on.
Forensic agencies across the United States, Europe, Asia-Pacific, and beyond have built rapid DNA programs tailored to their jurisdiction's legal framework, database requirements, and operational needs.
Missouri State Highway Patrol (link needed) built a statewide program in the US covering arrestee enrollment, investigative leads, and multi-agency partnerships. The French Gendarmerie established a field-deployable rapid DNA capability operating from mobile units at crime scenes and DVI incidents.
Thermo Fisher's Rapid Enablement team offers end-to-end rapid enablement support globally, from validation design and on-site implementation to training and ongoing program management, working within your lab's technical, regulatory, and budgetary requirements regardless of jurisdiction.
Preparedness starts before the incident—and the approach applies regardless of country or jurisdiction. Philadelphia PPD, the Royal Thai Police, and the French Gendarmerie all demonstrate that regional partnerships and pre-established protocols are what enable rapid scale-up when incidents occur.
Key preparedness steps include:
- Establishing mutual aid agreements with adjacent agencies for instrument surge capacity
- Validating rapid DNA workflows before any deployment
- Training both laboratory and law enforcement personnel
- Integrating rapid DNA into existing national or regional mass casualty response protocols
As Dr. Mike Garvey of Philadelphia PPD's Office of Forensic Science emphasized: "Prepare for it—because it's going to happen. It's just a matter of when."
*NDIS-approved for use by booking stations & accredited forensic DNA laboratories with known reference DNA samples using the RapidHIT ID ACE GlobalFiler Express Sample Cartridge and for modified Rapid DNA analysis with evidence samples using the RapidINTEL Plus cartridge.
For Forensics, Human Identification or Paternity/Kinship Use Only. Not for use in diagnostic procedures.