RAPID DNA IS HERE !

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London, October 30th 2012 - Key Forensic Services showcases the world’s first rapid DNA profiling equipment at Biometrics 2012. The ‘RapidHIT™ 200 system can produce a DNA profile in less time than it takes to process an arrestee—under 90 minutes. In partnership with American manufacturer IntegenX Inc., leading developer of rapid human DNA identification technology, Key Forensic Services (KFS) launched the RapidHIT 200 instrument in June this year and will pilot the system with UK police forces in the next few months.

The technology has the potential for applications extending from policing to homeland security and defence, helping create safer communities, and providing rapid biometric identification capabilities to defence and intelligence operators. Rapid DNA techniques have been explored by several forensic service providers, with a view to both speeding up DNA profiling and taking it out of the traditional laboratory environment.

Around the size of a laser printer, the RapidHIT 200 is a self-contained Human Identification (HID) system, designed to automate and accelerate the production of standard DNA profiles from mouth swabs. The swabs are inserted into a sealed cartridge, which slots into the system. Work has already been successfully conducted on a wide range of forensic samples that extends the utility of the RapidHIT 200 beyond the custody suite setting and into the field forward environment for defence and intelligence applications.

“This system revolutionizes DNA profiling, with samples being produced with the suspect still on police premises or within hours of a crime scene being examined. It’s a technology that will change the way investigations are conducted,” said Paul Hackett, KFS Group Managing Director. “In criminal investigations, time is what matters. We are very excited to be offering the world’s first rapid DNA profiling system here in the UK, using the skills and expertise of British forensic scientists. ”

“The RapidHIT 200 system allows, for the first time, rapid DNA analysis at the point of collection, setting a new standard in the usage of DNA profiles as an actionable biometric,” added Stevan Jovanovich, Ph.D., President and Chief Executive Officer of IntegenX. “KFS is among the world’s leading forensic science providers and we are pleased to be working with them to introduce of rapid DNA technology to the United Kingdom.”

Validation to complete the accreditation of the system for use as evidence in court is underway, and KFS is in talks with associated agencies to agree on the preferred procedure for integrating the system into the Criminal Justice System effectively, including working towards arrangements for charging suspects out of hours. After validation, DNA profiles generated by the RapidHIT system can be used to search not only the UK’s own National DNA Database, but potentially also those of other European countries.

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About Key Forensic Services Ltd.

Key Forensic Services Ltd (KFS) is a privately-owned UK company that delivers forensic science solutions to the criminal justice system and private sector clients in the United Kingdom and internationally. Its traditional forensic services include search and recovery of submissions for DNA profiling; document examinations; footwear marks screening; determination of weight, identification, and purity of drugs, as well as examination of items recovered from a crime scene for drug traces; forensic firearms training and awareness; gunshot residue examination; and evaluation and reporting of fingerprint casework. The company also offers digital forensic services, such as forensic video analysis, and forensic audio services. In addition, it provides professional forensic consultancy services for criminal defence lawyers; specialist custom collection and delivery service to police forces; and training and consultancy services. For more information, please visit www.keyforensic.co.uk.

About IntegenX Inc.

IntegenX, headquartered in Pleasanton, California, is a leading developer of rapid human DNA identification technology, Next-Gen Sequencing library preparation systems, and DNA/RNA ambient temperature stability and storage products. IntegenX technology platforms are the result of the integration of advanced fluidics, optics, and biochemistry capabilities to produce sample-to-answer products for DNA-based human identity testing and forensics. The company’s expertise and extensive intellectual property includes its patented MOVe™ valve technology, patent-pending PrepX™ reagent kits for next generation sequencing library preparation, as well as a portfolio of patented DNA and RNA reagents including GenTegra™ for stabilization and storage of purified DNA and RNA, and GenPlate® for storage of blood samples. For more information, please visit www.integenx.com.

IntegenX, the IntegenX logo, and RapidHIT are trademarks of IntegenX Inc. All other names or trademarks are the property of their respective owners.

Media Contacts:

Paul Whitehouse (KFS)

+44 (0) 2476 323393

Maurissa Messier (IntegenX)

001 760-539-7417