Reduce Sexual Assault with Rapid DNA

THE PROBLEM.
Sexual assault, rape and sexual violence continue to be recurring problems in communities around the world. In the United States, the process of investigating rape cases has been slow, in large part because of the difficulty in obtaining DNA results from Sexual Assault Evidence Kits (SAEKs). Today, hundreds of thousands of SAEKs are backlogged across the country, and the testing of new kits can take weeks, months or even longer. The result is that victims are not provided with peace of mind and rapists are free to reoffend. With approximately one in five U.S. women raped during their lives, it is clear that strong steps must be taken to end the rape epidemic in the U.S.

THE SOLUTION.
The ANDE Rapid DNA Identification System is a new technology that generates a DNA identification from forensic samples in less than two hours. Although the processing steps and data interpretation in the Rapid DNA system are essentially identical to those utilized conventionally, the samples are processed and the resulting data interpreted automatically. Until now, the lengthy time required to test SAEKs has led to laboratory backlogs of samples for testing. With this new approach, the lab can generate results quickly, assisting investigations in real time, identifying suspects and exonerating the innocent.

Some facts about the rape epidemic in America

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Privacy matters

Rapid DNA is a scientifically-proven technology that generates a DNA ID (also referred to as a DNA fingerprint). The DNA ID is based on the size of approximately 20 fragments of “junk DNA” and does not reveal information about an individual’s appearance or medical or behavioral conditions. This level of privacy removes human bias, delivering objective information to inform investigations. ANDE is the first and only Rapid DNA system to be granted FBI approval, received for the automated testing and interpretation of cheek swabs.

How ANDE works

Unlike traditional laboratory equipment, anyone can use ANDE. A non-technical operator can be trained to use the system in less than one hour, and will have access to additional support as needed.

1. Sample swab
2. Insert swab into single-use chip (4 or 5 samples)
3. Insert chip into instrument
4. Wait less than 2 hours
5. Actionable results