Lab Develops Faster, Cheaper Identity Test
Posted on: Monday, 28 April 2008, 15:30 CDT
Researchers at the Idaho National Laboratory said they have discovered a new way to identify humans that is both faster and lower cost than traditional DNA testing, currently recognized as the gold standard in human identification.The new method involves human antibodies, proteins the body uses to ward off viruses, and forms a unique ‘antibody bar code’ that can be obtained from saliva, blood and other bodily fluids.
The researchers said the antibody profile could be performed in the field, producing rapid, low cost results with minimal training of field personnel. And while no one expects it will replace traditional DNA analysis, it could make for a powerful new tool for detectives, the military and forensic experts.
"DNA is a physical code that describes you ... and in many ways so are your antibodies," Dr. Vicki Thompson told the Associated Press. Thompson, a chemical engineer at the Idaho National Laboratory, has been working with other researchers during the past 10 years to perfect the test.
National lab administrators have licensed the technology exclusively to Alpharetta, Ga-based startup Identity Sciences LLC. The company plans to launch test kits and training to law enforcement, the military and forensic and medical labs worldwide by fall of 2009.
However, Ken Haas, the company’s vice president of marketing, says the new test is not intended to supplant DNA testing.
Instead, Haas said the true benefit of antibody profiling is as a screening tool to help analyze a crime scene, sort out blood trails or spatter from multiple victims or to rapidly identify body parts on a battlefield or other disaster scene such as the Sept . 11, 2001 attacks.
It could also potentially save time and money by reducing the number of DNA tests required in an investigation, easing the growing backlog, according to Haas.
Test results on dried blood or blood serum can be obtained in two hours, a fraction of the time it takes for similar DNA matching tests.
However, the lack of a national database of antibodies presents a major hurdle for the new test, and is one of the reasons it is not likely to be used at an investigation’s outset to link suspects to crimes or establish probable cause to justify an arrest warrant.
Officials with Identity Sciences say forensic scientist beta testing at seven simulated crime scenes produced positive results, and demonstrate the market’s eagerness for such a test. Citing nondisclosure agreements, the company declined to give the specific test locations.
Pricing for the field kits has not yet been released, but company executives say the kit will cost substantially less than DNA analysis, which typically runs from $500 to $3,000 per sample due to the sophisticated equipment and lab time involved.
"We don't see this yet as a product to take to court," Gene Venesky, the company’s vice president, told the Associated Press.
"But we do see this as a way to get the case moving forward toward a final, legal resolution."
Nevertheless, some forensics experts believe scrutiny of the new method is certain if the test begins taking a more prominent role in crime fighting.
"There is a lot of potential here," Lawrence Kobilinsky, a DNA expert, told the Associated Press. Kobilinsky is chairman of the Department of Forensic Science at John Jay College of Criminal Justice in New York.
"Any time you can develop a quick and easy screen for something ... that is a good thing,” he said, warning that it takes time for any new test to gain widespread acceptance within the forensic community and in federal and state courthouses.
He said if the new tests begin appearing in police reports, defense attorneys would likely challenge their validity.
"If these tests are going to get to the courtroom, which I think is inevitable, they are not going to be admissible as evidence until they can be proven reliable, accurate and trustworthy.”
"My bet is that a crime scene unit is going to be very careful about using this if it's not going to be of any benefit in litigation."
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Source: redOrbit Staff and Wire Reports
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