Published: March. 7, 2012 at 8:37 AM

CHARLOTTESVILLE, Va., March 7 (UPI) -- A rapid DNA analysis system for forensic, homeland security and intelligence community use is being launched by U.S. firms Lockheed Martin and ZyGem Corp.

The system uses advanced microfluidics and ZyGem's proprietary nucleic acid isolation technology to accelerate DNA identification, all integrated into compact laboratory on a single chip that the companies say reduces DNA processing steps.

"With the successful development of our fully integrated cartridge device, this platform now has the potential to transform today's DNA identification process from one that takes a great deal of training, sophisticated equipment and time into a far simpler, more affordable process that can be performed in the lab or field in under 90 minutes," said Joan Bienvenue, Lockheed Martin program manager and chief scientist.

The technology was unveiled during the recent Annual Scientific Meeting of the American Academy of Forensic Sciences and pre-production units will be made available to key customers this summer.

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Rapid DNA analysis system introduced