FLUIDX Joins the Netherlands Forensic Institute in the Automation of the DNA-Profiling Process of Crime Scene Samples

The NFI is one of the world’s leading forensic laboratories. Using its expertise in more than 40 forensic disciplines, the NFI performs analyses in criminal cases, provides assistance and advice to governments and maintains close relationships with industry, knowledge institutes and universities. The mission of the Netherlands Forensic Institute (NFI) is to strengthen the rule of law worldwide. The role of forensic science in the fight against crime is growing, both in guiding investigations and in providing evidence. In response, the NFI seeks to develop the most useful and advanced forensic products and services and supply them to a wide range of national and international clients. Specifically, the NFI is working to provide its clients with more – and more useful – information, as technology makes it possible for us to extract more information from fewer traces, and to do it faster.

The NFI performs the vast majority of forensic DNA casework in the Netherlands, including providing second opinions and analyses for cold cases. The NFI will implement total lab automation - including automated liquid handling, sample storage and sample selection - for the DNA-profiling of biological crime scene samples. FLUIDX is working with the NFI to implement the FLUIDX 2D-coded external tread jacket tube as foundation of this automation.

Automating this process reduces the possibility of manual errors, lowers contamination risk, and offers the ability to run analyses overnight. The NFI expects this system to improve overall lab throughput. Netherlands government regulations require that samples from severe crimes be stored for a maximum of 80 years. The 2D-codes, permanently etched on the tubes, ensure accurate sample tracking and support the overall security of the system. Use of the FLUIDX 2D-coded external tread jacket tube thus provides the NFI with great sample-and data-integrity.

As an innovator in sample storage and tracking FLUIDX is proud to be working with The Netherlands Forensic Institute to optimize the DNA-profiling of crime scene samples and the use of innovation and technology in support of this goal.