Enhancing the Value of DNA
Rapid Forensic Cell Typing technology is a new, scientifically proven method to identify the biological contents of forensic samples.
We find answers that current DNA testing methods do not.
The Problem with Current DNA Testing
The majority of crime scene samples collected are never tested. Investigators and caseworkers must subjectively decide whether to submit a sample to the lab for testing, leaving many samples untouched and frequently causing DNA testing backlogs of several months.
Additionally, current DNA testing is both time-consuming and expensive. One sample can cost over $1,000, take 24 hours to process, and still may yield insufficient results.
These testing limitations leave many unanswered questions within DNA evidence and cause thousands of cases to go unsolved each year.
Enter: Rapid Forensic Cell Typing
Our technology can draw more biological information from evidence samples to give greater insight into what happened at the scene of the crime. Our process identifies where cells originated on the human body, the age of the sample, and the cell types and quantities, adding a crucial layer of analysis to DNA evidence. Our technology answers the following questions:
Where on the human body did the cells originate?
When was the sample deposited?
How did the suspect’s DNA get on the victim?
What scenario is most likely?
Similar solutions in the market can detect bodily fluids, but are prone to false-positive results or are destructive to DNA. Our workflow captures data on each individual cell using imaging flow cytometry instrumentation in a high throughput and non-destructive manner, improving efficiency without consuming the sample.
Our process is faster and costs less than traditional testing.
RFCT technology can analyze DNA samples in as quickly as 5 minutes and at a fraction of the cost of traditional testing. We accelerate the process by indicating which samples will yield the best profiling results, allowing crime labs to analyze more samples within budget.
By focusing on the most promising samples, we eliminate human judgement and biases when gathering and processing evidence, creating a more equitable criminal justice system and empowering law enforcement, military, and intelligence communities to make actionable decisions.
With greater speed, accuracy, and fairness, our technology can be seamlessly integrated into the typical forensic lab’s workflow.
There is simply no proven forensic technology capable of providing all of the data streams established by our platform.
Further Understanding Our Process
Developed by Experts
Our team has over 30 years of experience in cellular biology, DNA mixtures, DNA extraction, flow cytometry, and nanoscale biology. We have collaborative research with the Department of Defense, Department of Justice, the State of Virginia, as well as international forensic laboratories.
Our work has been published in several major scientific journals, and our team has served on national subcommittees and conducted forensic DNA analysis training nationwide. After years in development, supported by grants, partnerships and testing, this novel technology is now being introduced to select members of law enforcement and forensic labs, as well as those in the military and intelligence communities.