Carlsbad, CA 3/16/18—Thermo Fisher Scientific has acquired IntegenX for an undisclosed amount. IntegenX’s RapidHIT platform provides DNA analysis for forensic and law enforcement applications. “The development of rapid DNA technology provides law enforcement with the ability to generate results while a suspect is still in custody,” commented Rosy Lee, vice president of Human Identification for Thermo Fisher. “Such a dramatic reduction in time from sample to result has led to an increased demand from law enforcement agencies and aligns with our strategy to expand our leadership position in the human identification market.” Thermo Fisher stated that the platform complements its human identification chemistries, qPCR and capillary electrophoresis technologies.

IntegenX technology combines PCR and capillary electrophoresis to provide a portable solution for forensic DNA testing. Thermo Fisher has worked with the company to supply PCR reagents for the system (see IBO 9/15/17). Thermo Fisher will be able to expand the systems’ distribution channels through its existing law enforcement sales channels, where it sells molecular spectroscopy and life science products. According to FBI, This Week, the Agency plans expand the use of the technology to booking stations in major cities next year.