Texas DPS Rapid DNA Analysis

Rapid DNA, or Rapid DNA analysis, is a term used to describe the fully automated process of developing a DNA profile from a known reference sample or a crime scene sample in 1-2 hours without the need for a DNA laboratory and without any human interpretation.

Modified Rapid DNA analysis is a fully automated process of developing a DNA profile from a known reference sample or a crime scene sample, but it requires human interpretation and technical review in an accredited forensic DNA laboratory.

This technology has the potential to be used to analyze DNA samples at booking stations, to assist with Disaster Victim Identification (DVI) and to assist investigators with missing persons/unidentified human remains cases. Recently, this technology was approved by the FBI for the processing of crime scene samples for enrollment and searching in CODIS. However, several additional requirements must be met prior to the implementation of any evidence program (see question 8).

In the State of Texas, all DNA analysis must be completed in a manner consistent with State statute.

There are currently two instruments approved for use in booking stations by the FBI. Senate Bill 1723, signed by the Governor in June 2025, amended the Government Code to allow for Rapid DNA processing in Texas and established a booking station pilot program. This pilot program will include both instruments. 

In July 2025, the FBI Quality Assurance Standards for Forensic DNA Testing Laboratories were updated to allow for the processing of evidence samples using Rapid DNA and subsequent upload and/or searching in CODIS. However, at this time the FBI has not approved any Rapid DNA cartridges for evidence processing. Once approved cartridges are available, only high quality, single source evidence samples should be processed using Rapid DNA. Further, evidence collection methods must ensure that sample is retained for traditional laboratory processing. If there is not enough evidence for both Rapid and traditional processing, Rapid DNA analysis should not be attempted. All DNA profiles developed from crime scene evidence using Rapid DNA must be reviewed by a qualified analyst and undergo technical review prior to CODIS upload. In Texas, additional requirements such as licensing by the Texas Forensic Science Commission (TFSC) must be considered before processing evidence. (See question 8)

Senate Bill 1723, signed by the Governor in June 2025, established a booking station pilot program in two counties (Montgomery and Williamson Counties). This pilot will run for two years beginning on September 1, 2025. The first year will be used for the development of the instrument and IT infrastructure. Then, no later than September 1, 2026, Rapid DNA processing of samples collected from arrestees in the two pilot booking stations will go live. On January 1, 2028, Texas DPS will present to the Texas legislature a report detailing the results of the pilot, and based on the results, the legislature will determine the future of Rapid DNA testing at booking stations.  

No. While the FBI Quality Assurance Standards for Forensic DNA Testing Laboratories were updated in July 2025 to allow for the testing of evidence samples using Rapid DNA, several other factors must be considered prior to implementation in Texas. Currently, no Rapid DNA cartridges are approved by NDIS for evidence processing. Although the approval process is ongoing, until it is complete no evidence processed using Rapid DNA is eligible for CODIS upload and/or searching. Additionally, the TFSC plays a part in policy development and licensing of forensic practitioners. A statewide working group made up of law enforcement officers, forensic scientists, researchers, and lawyers is currently considering the use of Rapid DNA in Texas and based on their discussions, the TFSC will establish policies on evidence handling, training, and licensing. Finally, DPS, as the state CODIS agency, must develop policies for the use of Rapid DNA for evidence processing and the acceptance of profiles developed using Rapid DNA. Once all of these requirements are met, processing of crime scene evidence using Rapid DNA can be implemented in Texas.

The DISC is a collection of DNA profiles from unsolved cases (homicides, sexual assaults, kidnapping and terrorism cases) specifically identified by NDIS participating laboratories that will be searched immediately every time an arrestee sample is successfully processed in a Rapid DNA device located in a booking station. If a match is made in DISC to an unsolved crime scene sample, this will enable law enforcement to detain these individuals during the booking process. DISC profiles are searched against the state and national CODIS databases.

Agencies wishing to add their unsolved homicide, rape/sexual assault, kidnapping and terrorism DNA records to this index should contact their local forensic laboratory that worked the evidence. If an agency is submitting new evidence, this request can be made at the time of submission. For Texas DPS Crime Lab submissions, the Rapid DNA/Crimes of Special Concern Form (LAB-214) Word | PDF must be completed in order to meet FBI requirements for entering DNA profiles into the DNA Index of Special Concern and enabling them to be searched using Rapid DNA technology.

Yes, an agency can use a Rapid DNA instrument to develop profiles from crime scene evidence outside of an accredited laboratory. However, DNA results from crime scene evidence obtained from a Rapid DNA instrument are not eligible for entry and searching in the CODIS Database at this time.

Additionally, once approval for CODIS searching of Rapid DNA profiles from crime scene evidence is granted, eligibility would not be retroactive, meaning any profiles developed prior to approval would still not be CODIS eligible. By federal rule, law enforcement agencies cannot have access to the state SDIS database. Any database created by a local agency solely from profiles developed using Rapid DNA would have reduced impact due to its small size and slow growth. In addition, there may be admissibility concerns for results obtained with Rapid DNA instruments at this time.

• Cost: Rapid DNA testing is much more expensive than traditional DNA testing offered to you by Texas accredited forensic laboratories.
• A law enforcement agency wishing to use a Rapid DNA instrument for both booking and crime scene evidence will not be able to use the same instrument. Multiple instruments with different requirements will be needed.
• Sample size: Rapid DNA instruments require a much larger sample than traditional DNA testing provided by your local accredited DNA laboratory. Touch DNA samples are not routinely successful and are unsuitable for Rapid DNA testing.
• Mixtures: The instruments are also not meant for testing mixtures. An example of a suitable testing item would be a blood drop at the point of entry in a burglary.
• Two swab method: It is recommended that two swabs be collected from evidentiary items – Swab A to be sent to your local crime laboratory, Swab B to test using the Rapid instrument. The purpose of the Two Swab method is to ensure that enough sample remains for traditional testing in the event the Rapid DNA instrument does not produce a suitable test result.
• Space availability: A law enforcement facility must provide a secure location for the instrument and the consumables. The cartridges used are large and some require refrigeration.

You may contact the Texas Department of Public Safety regarding the use of Rapid DNA in the State of Texas at:

CODISLAB@dps.texas.gov

You may contact the FBI directly regarding Rapid DNA at:

RapidDNA@fbi.gov

For more information about Rapid DNA, please see the link below:

• FBI's Rapid DNA Information
• CODIS and Rapid DNA Information
• Law Enforcement Rapid DNA page
• Guide to All Things Rapid DNA
• Standards for the Operation of Rapid DNA Booking Systems by Law Enforcement Booking Agencies
• National Rapid DNA Booking Operational Procedures