NCJ Number
183299
Journal
Journal of Forensic Sciences Volume: 44 Issue: 1 Dated: January 1999 Pages: 133-166
Date Published
January 1999
Length
34 pages
Annotation
Validation studies conducted on two different fluorescence-based multiplex DNA profiling systems focused on defining the limit of target DNA required for reliable profiling and the level of degradation that would still permit amplification of the short tandem repeat (STR) loci examined.
Abstract
The two DNA sequencers used were the Applied Biosystems Model 373A and the Prism (TM) 377. The research also sought to determine the robustness of each locus in the multiplexes after the samples were exposed to environmental insults. The research also demonstrated the specificity of the multiplexes using nonhuman DNAs. Forensically relevant samples such as cigarette butts, chewing gum, fingernails, and envelope flaps were processed. The research then compared DNAs and resultant multiplex STR profiles. The validation of the triplex STR systems was extended to include over 140 nonprobative casework specimens and was followed with a close monitoring of initial casework involving over 300 exhibits. Results documented the robustness of these multiplex STR profiling systems and indicated that these systems, combined with other multiplex systems, could provide a power of approximately 0.9999 in distinguishing profiles. Figures, tables, and 69 references (Author abstract modified)