A human identification test which could revolutionise forensic science by solving crimes more quickly has been launched in the region.

The cutting-edge technology can determine in less than two hours which suspects and evidence should be DNA tested, saving invaluable police investigation time, effort and money.

The DNA screening tool has been launched by Global Forensics based at the University of Warwick Science Park’s recently-opened LabStart facility.

The site in Sir William Lyons Road is dedicated to helping businesses develop innovative products by providing laboratory and office space.

Instead of using DNA, the test, known as AbP.ID, reads the unique autoantibodies found in human body fluids to establish whether the profile of evidence at a crime scene matches the profile of a suspect.

By revealing the unique antibody profile, it can identify which evidence warrants being DNA tested.

The test is now being evaluated, marketed and distributed in the UK and overseas by Global Forensics, following its development by Identity Sciences, a high-tech forensic company in the USA.

Mike Holden, chairman of Global Forensics, said: “This human identification system is the next generation of forensic tools to be invented since fingerprinting in 1901 and forensic DNA introduced in 1994.

“We expect AbP.ID will greatly impact forensic science worldwide and we’re proud to be part of it.

“The Science Park has thankfully been very flexible in terms of the facilities it provides so it has proved to be an ideal venue for us.”