FINAL by: OSAC Program Office; Version 2, January 13, 2020 1 

OSAC RESEARCH NEEDS ASSESSMENT FORM 

Title of research need: Efficiency, throughput and speed improvements in rapid DNA instrumentation

through the development of direct PCR methods

Describe

the need:

There are significant benefits to improving the efficiency and speed at which DNA analysis

can be performed. Direct to PCR methods are now possible that decrease the time needed

for analysis as well as decrease the potential for contamination. In addition, the current

generation of rapid PCR instruments require 90 mins to complete an assay.   This amount

of time may be too long to hold a suspect in locations such as airports and border crossings

as well as in other time critical situations. Direct to PCR methods can shorten this time.

There is a need to further investigate the use of direct to PCR methods on a diverse array

of sample types and to further investigate the use of rapid systems and PCR components,

such as high‐speed enzymes and microfluidics.  Research and development in this area can

address short term needs at locations that require high speed processing capabilities but

may also impact certain types of casework samples that may benefit from the development

of direct PCR approaches.

Keyword(s): Rapid PCR, direct PCR

Submitting subcommittee(s): Human Biology Date Approved: 10/05/2021

(If SAC review identifies additional subcommittees, add them to the box above.)

Background Information:

1. Does this research need address a gap(s) in a current or planned standard? (ex.: Field identification system 

for on scene opioid detection and confirmation)

No. 

2. Are you aware of any ongoing research that may address this research need that has not yet been published 

(e.g., research presented in conference proceedings, studies that you or a colleague have participated in but 

have yet to be published)?

Not at the present time. 

3. Key bibliographic references relating to this research need: 

1) Martin, Belinda, et al. "Direct PCR of fired shotgun casings: a South Australian evaluation." Australian Journal of 

Forensic Sciences (2020): 1-7.

2) Gibson-Daw, Georgiana, Karin Crenshaw, and Bruce McCord. "Optimization of ultrahigh-speed multiplex PCR for 

forensic analysis." Analytical and bioanalytical chemistry 410.1 (2018): 235-245.

3) Shrivastava, Pankaj, Toshi Jain, and R. K. Kumawat. "Direct PCR amplification from saliva sample using non-direct 

multiplex STR kits for forensic DNA typing." Scientific reports 11.1 (2021): 1-19. 

4) Kim, Joo-Young, et al. "DMSO Improves the Ski-Slope Effect in Direct PCR." Applied Sciences 11.4 (2021): 1943.
FINAL by: OSAC Program Office; Version 2, January 13, 2020 2 

5) Boelens, Dide, et al. "The development of miniSTRs as a method for high-speed direct 

PCR." Electrophoresis (2021).

6) Martin, Belinda, et al. "Successful STR amplification of post-blast IED samples by fluorescent visualisation and 

direct PCR." Forensic Science International: Genetics 46 (2020): 102256.

7) Wu, Hui, et al. "Progress in molecular detection with high-speed nucleic acids thermocyclers." Journal of 

Pharmaceutical and Biomedical Analysis (2020): 113489.

8) Dignan, Leah M., et al. "Multiplexed Centrifugal Microfluidic System for Dynamic Solid-Phase Purification of 

Polynucleic Acids Direct from Buccal Swabs." Analytical Chemistry 93.19 (2021): 7300-7309.

4. Review the annual operational/research needs published by the National Institute of Justice (NIJ) at 

https://nij.ojp.gov/topics/articles/forensic-science-research-and-development-technology-working-groupoperational#latest? Is your research need identified by NIJ?

Yes, Better understanding of how to integrate Rapid DNA into lab workflows. 

5. In what ways would the research results improve current laboratory capabilities? 

Rapid direct PCR minimizes sample transfer, speeds up analysis, and improves recovery of touch DNA. 

6. In what ways would the research results improve understanding of the scientific basis for the 

subcommittee(s)? 

Improve the understanding of enzyme kinetics and amplification of touch DNA. 

7. In what ways would the research results improve services to the criminal justice system? 

Improve speed and cost of DNA analysis, decrease the potential for contamination events and improve rapid 

DNA results to nearly real time. 

8. Status assessment (I, II, III, or IV): II

Major gap in 

current 

knowledge 

Minor gap in 

current 

knowledge 

 

 No or limited

current research is 

being conducted I III 

 Existing current 

research is being 

conducted II IV 

This research need has been identified by one or more subcommittees of OSAC and is being provided as an

informational resource to the community.