Harris County Forensic Science Center reports major lab upgrades and shrinking backlogs
November 14, 2025 | Houston, Harris County, Texas
This article was created by AI summarizing key points discussed. AI makes mistakes, so for full details and context, please refer to the video of the full meeting. Please report any errors so we can fix them. Report an error »
Board meeting attendees heard that one QTOF (time-of-flight accurate high-resolution mass spectrometer) is installed and operational and that a toxicology QTOF is in the process of installation; both instruments must complete validation before they are used on casework. HFSC said the QTOF will replace many immunoassay screening steps, allowing broader detection of compounds in toxicology and seized‑drug screening.
The lab has a temporary transition team of five hires to create capacity for moving evidence from 1200 Washington into upgraded storage and to support property and evidence management. HFSC said new crime‑scene space and additional shelving, lighting and security systems are in place and that remaining work includes a final fire inspection and security commissioning.
HFSC said non–sexual‑assault forensic backlogs have fallen by nearly 60% over the past calendar year and now total about 200 outstanding cases. The center reported that the sexual‑assault‑kit (SAK) backlog is “effectively gone,” leaving only a couple of dozen kits older than 90 days. COO Amy Castillo attributed the progress to a combination of hiring, training and shifting work previously outsourced back in‑house as capacity grew.
Officials noted that some outsourcing will remain necessary for flexibility and to handle spikes or technical bottlenecks. HFSC cautioned that the lab must validate new instruments and continue recruiting and training staff before all outsourced work can be eliminated. The board did not take action on the update; the presentation was informational.
The next procedural step HFSC identified was completing validation of the new instruments and scheduling phased casework once validation is complete.
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