Validation of Half‐Reaction Amplification Using Promega PowerPlex® 16* |
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Authors: | Nicole H. Hoffman M.S. Terry Fenger Ph.D. |
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Affiliation: | 1. Marshall University Forensic Science Center, DNA Laboratory, 1401 Forensic Science Drive, Huntington, WV.;2. Indiana State Police, Evansville Regional Laboratory, 19411 Hwy 41 North, Evansville, IN. |
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Abstract: | Abstract: DNA amplification is a fundamental yet costly process used in DNA analysis. This study evaluated half‐reaction amplification (12.5, 12, and 13 uL) using the Promega Powerplex® 16 Kit with the hope of reducing sample analysis costs by half. A sensitivity study was completed, along with the testing of various blood stain samples including those with low (<0.40 ng) and high DNA concentrations (>3.0 ng), peak height imbalances, and allelic drop‐out. Also, 467 samples submitted to the MUFSC laboratory for testing were analyzed. Results indicate that half‐reaction amplification produced higher quality profiles than full‐reactions. Average peak heights increased by 85%, peak height imbalances improved, and drop‐out was eliminated in 75.8% of samples. Only eight of 467 case samples required re‐amplification, a success rate of 94% was observed, and the repeat rate decreased significantly. Finally, a DNA input of 0.25–1.0 ng is ideal for half‐reaction amplification. |
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Keywords: | forensic science forensic DNA validation DNA amplification PowerPlex® 16 CSF D13S317 D16S539 D18S51 D21S11 D3S51358 D5S818 D7S820 D8S1179 FGA Penta D Penta E THO1 TPOX vWA |
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