Evaluation of rapid DNA using ANDE™ in a technical exploitation Level 2 laboratory workflow

Area of Science:

• Forensic Science
• Biotechnology

Background:

• Technical Exploitation (TE) workflows are crucial for intelligence gathering.
• Rapid DNA (rDNA) analysis offers automated DNA profiling capabilities.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the effectiveness of rapid DNA (rDNA) analysis using the ANDE™ system within a TE workflow.
• To assess the impact of controlled versus uncontrolled operational environments on rDNA performance.

Main Methods:

• The study utilized the ANDE™ system for rDNA profiling during the 2019 Ardent Defender (AD) exercise.
• Samples were analyzed in controlled (n=16), uncontrolled (n=44), and buccal swab (n=22) settings.
• Performance metrics included profile suitability for upload and complete DNA profile generation.

Main Results:

• Profile suitability for upload was highest for buccal samples (95.5%), followed by controlled (66.7%) and uncontrolled (15.9%) samples.
• Complete DNA profiles were obtained more frequently in controlled (58.3%) than uncontrolled (15.9%) trials.
• No DNA detection rates were significantly higher in uncontrolled (56.8%) compared to controlled (16.7%) trials.

Conclusions:

• Rapid DNA (rDNA) analysis has potential for identity intelligence within TE workflows, particularly in deployable laboratories.
• Operational constraints and environmental factors significantly influence rDNA success rates.
• Improvements in TE practices are needed to maximize the benefits of rDNA technology in real-world scenarios.