Signature Science’s FRISC Service Enables DNA recovery from Spent Shell Casings

For years, investigators have relied on spent shell casings to identify the type of gun used in a crime, but they have believed that those same casings were unlikely to yield DNA that could be used to identify the shooter. It’s time for some new thinking about spent shell casings and DNA. The research team at SigSci’s Center for Advanced Genomics, in collaboration with our accredited DNA casework laboratory, has developed and validated the FRISC® method for maximizing DNA recovery in both yield and quality from fired shell casings.

What is FRISC?
FRISC is an optimized DNA extraction process that is facilitating greater levels of DNA typing success. While not all fired shell casings will have detectable amounts of DNA, when there is sufficient quantity, the FRISC process can enable successful DNA testing. If, after extraction, the quantification results are very low, SigSci will communicate this outcome with their client and recommend stopping the process prior to DNA analysis (“stop at quant”).

Ready to FRISC your spent shell casings?
Complete a Case Submission Form (PDF; 172k) and ship the form and evidence via any traceable courier (e.g., FedEx, UPS).

How much does FRISC cost per shell casing?
The price per casing is slightly higher than more traditional sample types due to the additional handling steps required to maximize DNA recovery. In a “stop at quant” scenario where DNA analysis is not performed, the price is reduced accordingly. Volume discount pricing is available.

Need the shell casings returned for ballistics testing?
We expedite their return after DNA extraction is completed.

Does FRISC really work?
Our DNA casework laboratory has generated profiles from spent shell casings that have been uploaded to CODIS and resulted in convictions.

Have questions? Need a quote?

Leslie Parke, PMP, CQA
Director, Forensic DNA Laboratory

For more information