Antibodies test reduces time and cost of identification
By Susan Wilson
Back in the early 90s, labs would draw blood to match with other blood samples in order to identify criminals, potential dads, and sometimes victims. Then we entered the day of DNA where a swab of the cheek, or a sample of any body fluid or tissue would be enough to ID criminals, unknown victims, potential heirs, and possible fathers. Both procedures required at least 3 months to 3 weeks depending on the procedure. With Antibodies testing, the answer can be known in as little as 2 hours.
According to the Idaho National Laboratory, each of us has Individual Specific Auto-antibodies (ISA) that identify us similar to our unique DNA. The tests that the Idaho lab has developed is similar to a DNA test. Both tests use samples of body fluids to compare either the ISA code or the DNA code to see if there is a match.
Identity Sciences, LLC, a Georgia company that will be licensing the test, says that minimal training is required to run the Antibodies test which would actually be done on site. The samples would not have to be sent off to a separate lab for testing. Identity Sciences is quickly assembling testing kits for what it anticipates to be a large market. The company expects to sell the kits for less than a DNA test would cost which means it would be under $500.00.
Unfortunately, this new test will not replace DNA testing. There is currently no national antibody database, which is just one critical element necessary for validating the procedure for use in court. Multiple scientific studies comparing the correlation and validity of Antibodies testing with DNA testing will be necessary before antibodies testing will be considered acceptable for proving or disproving identity in a court of law.
Both Identity Sciences and the Idaho Lab agree that this new procedure will not replace DNA testing anytime soon. Antibodies testing is seen as more of a screening procedure to weed out certain possibilities and therefore save at least some time and money prior to conducting the DNA testing necessary for Court.
When this procedure is finally considered admissible as evidence in courts around the nation, both law enforcement and victims may see justice happen much more quickly than in today’s criminal system where the backlog of evidence to be tested and the high cost of testing frequently delay justice far too long.
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