Human identification is the analysis of deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) samples used for forensic investigation and the identification of individuals. It contains body part detectors for detecting the lips, face, heads, shoulders, fingerprints, and palms. It uses next-generation sequencing (NGS), polymerase chain reaction (PCR), rapid DNA analysis, capillary electrophoresis, and nucleic acid purification and extraction technologies. Human identification is used extensively in various contexts, including, but not limited to, identifying criminals, analyzing human characteristics, recognizing missing persons and victims of war and natural disasters, and determining the cause and manner of death.
Deoxyribonucleic acid, or DNA, has significantly advanced criminal justice in the past decade. The utilization of DNA in the presence of biological evidence enables the identification of criminals with remarkable accuracy. Overall, the demand to shorten the turnaround time and expense of DNA analysis is growing as the significance of DNA technology in guaranteeing the impartiality and correctness of the criminal justice system grows.
Additionally, the market experienced a surge in demand due to the expanded availability of quick DNA analysis tools. For instance, in January 2022, a Stanford-led research team sequenced the human genome in 5 hours and 2 minutes, creating the first Guinness World Record for the fastest DNA sequencing method. Therefore, it is anticipated that the availability and accessibility of rapid DNA testing will drive its demand and stimulate market expansion.
Rapid technological progress is anticipated to result in the creation of innovative and advanced human identification strategies. The studied market is expanding due to various advanced technologies that have led to the target population's adoption of the devices. For example, Quest Diagnostics launched the Automated Next Generation Sequencing (NGS) Engine to power AncestryHealth in August 2020. AncestryHealth provides individuals access to highly accurate genetic testing, which provides insight into inherited diseases such as colon and breast cancers.
Additionally, QIAGEN NV announced in June 2021 a commercialization collaboration with San Diego-based human identification specialist Verogen to offer customers of both companies superior tools and extensive support for human identification (HID) laboratory workflows. Such developments are anticipated to generate market expansion opportunities over the forecast period.
North America is the most significant global human identification market shareholder and is anticipated to exhibit a CAGR of 10.97% during the forecast period. The United States government offices' adoption of human identification system approaches for forensic applications is anticipated to propel market expansion in North America. For instance, in August 2020, the medical examiner of New York City approved the use of next-generation sequencing, which the Department of Defense already employs to identify remains from World War II, the Korean War, and the Vietnam War.
In addition, the key participants in the region are consistently launching new products and implementing technological advances to enhance their market presence. For instance, ANDE corporation launched a pilot program with the Edmonton Police Service (EPS) in December 2019 to utilize the power of Rapid DNA in criminal investigations. EPS is the first police service in Canada to test the ANDE Rapid DNA identification system to solve crimes faster and expedite victim closure. Thus, the abovementioned factors are expected to boost the market growth in this region.
The key global human identification market players are Promega Corporation, Thermo Fisher Scientific Inc., Verogen Inc., QIAGEN NV, Bio-Rad Laboratories, Laboratory Corporation of America Holdings, AUTOGEN Inc., Hamilton Bonaduz AG (Hamilton Company), ANDE Corporation, and GENETEK Biopharma GmbH.