Forensic Casework Analysis Using the HVI/HVII mtDNA Linear Array Assay

• NCJ Number: 209743
• Journal: Journal of Forensic Sciences Volume: 50 Issue: 3 Dated: May 2005 Pages: 548-554
• Author(s): Anna-Maria Divne; Cassandra Calloway; Rebecca Reynolds Ph.D.; Henry Erlich Ph.D.; Marie Allen Ph.D.; Martina Nilsson
• Date Published: May 2005
• Length: 7 pages
• Publication Format: Article
• Publication Type: Report (Study/Research)
• Language: English
• Country: United States of America

Annotation

This study evaluated the exclusion capacity of the linear array mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) HVI/HVII region-sequence typing assay (Roche Applied Science).

Abstract

In forensic investigations where the amount of DNA is limited or has been degraded, analysis of mtDNA has proven useful, especially the mitochondrial hypervariable regions I and II. Several linear assays targeting sequence polymorphisms located in these regions I and II have been developed. The current study evaluated the exclusion capacity of the Roche Applied Science’s Linear Array mtDNA HVI/HVII Region-Sequence Typing Kit through a retrospective study of 16 previously mtDNA sequenced forensic cases comprising 90 samples. The HVI/HVII mtDNA linear array excluded 56 percent of the samples, requiring less than half of the samples to be subjected to further sequencing. Of the samples excluded, 79 percent were excluded using the HVI/HVII linear array alone. The findings suggest that the use of the HVI/HVII mtDNA linear array assay can reduce the cost and turn-around time involved in casework analysis. Figures, tables, references