Leading forensic laboratories participate in independent validation of the GE Healthcare Life Sciences and NetBio Rapid DNA system

GE Healthcare Life Sciences, (NYSE: GE), and NetBio named today several of the laboratories participating in the recently announced comprehensive developmental validation of DNAscan™ Rapid DNA Analysis™ System. Leading international and US accredited NDIS participating forensic laboratories are independently evaluating the overall system from “swab-in to profile-out”, including the on-board Expert System software which uses automated data interpretation to eliminate the need for human review.

Explaining the importance of forensic laboratory participation in the independent validation, Angelo Della Manna, Chief of Forensic Biology and DNA, Alabama Department of Forensic Sciences, said, “Law enforcement agencies routinely look to us for guidance on cutting edge forensic technologies. Rapid DNA analysis technology has the potential to be a powerful investigative tool for law enforcement, but it must be held to the same strict standards as existing analytical methods. As an internationally accredited laboratory and one of the original members of the CODIS pilot program more than 20 years ago, we have a responsibility to assess Rapid DNA and provide guidance about its technical robustness and efficacy for the law enforcement community.”

Chris Carney, Supervisor of the DNA Investigative Support Database, Florida Department of Law Enforcement, added, “The validation of a Rapid DNA system with an integrated Expert System is a critical step towards enabling suspects to be identified, included or excluded from the scope of the investigation while they are still in law enforcement custody. Our role as forensic scientists is to examine Rapid DNA technology and ensure the law enforcement agencies we support are equipped with an independent assessment of what this technology can do for them at the booking stations in the future.”

Results of the comprehensive multi-laboratory validation process, which includes meeting an extensive set of FBI Quality Assurance Standards, will be used to seek NDIS approval to enable forensic laboratories to submit STR profiles generated by the DNAscan System to CODIS. It is also a critical step toward the ultimate goal of obtaining approval for the DNAscan System to be used by law enforcement as part of the routine booking procedure1.

The forensic laboratories participating in the validation also includes international representation to ensure the interests of law enforcement agencies outside the United States are represented. Dr. Farida Alshamali, Deputy General Director for Technical Affairs, Dubai Police Crime Laboratory, noted, “We are excited to be a part of a group that is establishing the value of Rapid DNA analysis for law enforcement. Having DNA results in 90 minutes could speed up investigative leads, prevent future crimes and provide safer communities.”

Mike Benevento, General Manager, Human Identification, GE Healthcare Life Sciences, said, “Crucial to our responsible adoption approach is working with accredited laboratories that have highly respected technical experts from the forensic and law enforcement communities. Their involvement strengthens our efforts and brings us an important step closer to a fully integrated Rapid DNA system approved for use as part of the overall booking process.”

In addition to NetBio, some of the laboratories participating in the developmental validation of the DNAscan System include:

Alabama Department of Forensic Sciences - http://www.adfs.alabama.gov/

Florida Department of Law Enforcement - http://www.fdle.state.fl.us

Michigan State Police - https://www.michigan.gov/msp

Dubai Police Crime Laboratory - http://www.dubaipolice.gov.ae/

1. The FBI’s Rapid DNA Initiative aims to integrate Rapid DNA instruments effectively within the existing CODIS structure and is leading the development of the regulatory and policy approach for use of Rapid DNA Analysis during the booking process.

About the DNAscan System

DNAscan Rapid DNA Analysis System is a fast, rugged, and easy-to-use rapid DNA analysis system developed to enable law enforcement agencies to process DNA samples in under 90 minutes, thereby helping to accelerate the criminal investigation process. In August 2013, an article by NetBio describing the technical basis of the system was published in a peer-reviewed journal, demonstrating an important milestone toward the DNAscan System’s acceptance by the forensic community. For more information visit www.gelifesciences.com/DNAscan

About GE Healthcare

GE Healthcare provides transformational medical technologies and services to meet the demand for increased access, enhanced quality and more affordable healthcare around the world. GE (NYSE: GE) works on things that matter - great people and technologies taking on tough challenges. From medical imaging, software & IT, patient monitoring and diagnostics to drug discovery, biopharmaceutical manufacturing technologies and performance improvement solutions, GE Healthcare helps medical professionals deliver great healthcare to their patients. For more information about GE Healthcare, visit our website at www.gehealthcare.com

About NetBio

Founded based on pioneering microfluidic research performed at MIT's Whitehead Institute, NetBio was incorporated in 2000 in Greater Boston and has received significant support from both government agencies and industry. NetBio has developed a series of enabling microfluidic and molecular biology technologies applicable to both forensics and clinical diagnostics. These enabling technologies include sample preparation and DNA purification, rapid thermal cycling, highly multiplexed amplification, focused DNA sequencing, optical detection of DNA sequences, and nucleic acid separation and detection. NetBio's focus is the development of fully automated and integrated products for use by non-technical operators outside the laboratory. The Company’s innovative technologies are critical to address the enormous unmet needs of the rapidly emerging Rapid DNA Analysis markets, and NetBio is commercializing its field forward ANDE Rapid DNA products for military and homeland security applications around the world. For more information about NetBio, visit the website at www.netbio.com.