Evaluation of Rapid Stain IDentification (RSID™) Reader System for Analysis and Documentation of RSID™ Tests

Abstract

Abstract:The ability to detect the presence of body fluids is a crucial first step in documenting and processing forensic evidence. The Rapid Stain IDentification (RSID™) tests for blood, saliva, semen and urine are lateral flow immunochromatographic strip tests specifically designed for forensic use. Like most lateral flow strips, the membrane components of the test are enclosed in a molded plastic cassette with a sample well and an observation window. No specialized equipment is required to use these tests or to score the results seen in the observation window; however, the utility of these tests can be enhanced if an electronic record of the test results can be obtained, preferably by a small hand-held device that could be used in the field under low light conditions. Such a device should also be able to "read" the lateral flow strips and accurately record the results of the test as either positive, i.e., the body fluid was detected, or negative, i.e., the body fluid was not detected. Here we describe the RSID™ Reader System-a ruggedized strip test reader unit that allows analysis and documentation of RSID™ lateral flow strip tests using pre-configured settings, and show that the RSID™ Reader can accurately and reproducibly report and record correct results from RSID™ blood, saliva, semen, and urine tests.

Rapid detection of human blood in triatomines (kissing bugs) utilizing a lateral flow immunochromatographic assay - A pilot study

“…It is a device designed to perform an optical interrogation of the test cassette and is useful in resolving ambiguous (very faint band) results, but is not required for correct or proper interpretation of strip test results. 31 In our study we did not experience any ambiguous results. Another limitation is that we only tested triatomines with a visible blood meal.…”

Rapid Stain Biomarker : A Novel Tool for the Forensic Detection of Saliva (Effect of Time and Surface on its Reliability )

“…Saliva can be probably identified and typed by many amylase assays. These forensic methods for human saliva detection have many drawbacks as lack of specificity, lack of sensitivity, difficult protocols or it can consume big amount of the biological sample (Sinelnikov et al,. 2013).…”

“…These techniques provide a target area for swabbing for subsequent confirmation and DNA tests. Sinelnikov et al, (2013) reported that numerous experiments using RSID TM -Saliva kit demonstrating the ability of the test to detect dried human saliva stains from a variety of objects that are typically encountered in forensic laboratory case work; as cups, glass, metal, fabrics, plastic, etc. The previous study recommended also the usage of a handheld reader capable of recording and scoring the tests to resolve the ambiguous (i.e.…”

Essential Quality Analysis Criteria in Forensic Genetics Identification: A Position Statement of Italian Society of Human Genetics

“…Technical Report a) Criteria 29: It is preferable to include electropherograms of all analyzed samples, including controls. b) Criteria 30: It is preferable to include any available reader reports or images for the interpretation of the generic diagnostic results [4]. c) Criteria 31: It is necessary to provide the quantification results and it is preferable to include the associated instrument reports.…”