Wednesday, September 24, 2008
The investigators on CSI take many samples and quickly receive DNA test results, and by the end of a one-hour show, they arrest their suspect. Real-life forensics testing takes longer—sometimes months longer—and can cost thousands of dollars per sample. What if forensic sample testing could be faster and cheaper? With Antibody Profiling Identification—AbP ID, and accompanying software—Image ID from Idaho National Laboratory, Idaho Falls, and Identity Sciences, LLC, Alpharetta, Ga., it can be both. AbP ID quickly tests forensic samples, converting antibody profiles of an individual’s immune system into a unique pattern resembling a bar code. Coupled with Image ID, a digital imaging and pattern recognition system, AbP ID technology provides a low-cost, easy-to-use, accurate, and fast method to identify forensic evidence and build a searchable database. AbP ID can be performed in a non-lab environment by non-technical staff with minimal training, and results can be developed in hours. In addition, it can be used for biological samples that do not contain DNA (i.e. tears and sweat) and samples with contaminants that can interfere with DNA testing. It can also distinguish between identical twins.
Idaho National Laboratory, www.inl.gov