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Research paper| Volume 25, P112-124, November 2016

Development of a normalized extraction to further aid in fast, high-throughput processing of forensic DNA reference samples

  • Catherine C. Connon
    Correspondence
    Corresponding author at: Virginia Commonwealth University, Department of Forensic Science, 1015 Floyd Ave Box 843079, Richmond, VA 23284, United States.
    Affiliations
    Virginia Commonwealth University, Department of Forensic Science, 1015 Floyd Ave Box 843079, Richmond, VA 23284, United States

    Cellmark Forensics, Inc., a LabCorp Specialty Testing Group, 13988 Diplomat Drive, Suite 100, Farmers Branch, TX 75234, United States

    University of North Texas, Department of Biological Sciences, 1155 Union Circle #305220, Denton, TX 76203-5017, United States
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  • Aaron K. LeFebvre
    Affiliations
    Cellmark Forensics, Inc., a LabCorp Specialty Testing Group, 13988 Diplomat Drive, Suite 100, Farmers Branch, TX 75234, United States

    Next Health LLC, 5710 Lyndon B Johnson Fwy #300, Dallas, TX 75240, United States
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  • Robert C. Benjamin
    Affiliations
    University of North Texas, Department of Biological Sciences, 1155 Union Circle #305220, Denton, TX 76203-5017, United States
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      Highlights

      • Normalized extraction is combined with fast PCR and POP-6/22 cm array CE detection.
      • This process utilizes PowerPlex 16 HS, Identifiler Plus and Identifiler primer sets.
      • Processing time – from accessioning to analysis – is reduced by ∼37%.
      • High quality STR profiles were obtained from 95 to 99% of buccal swab samples.
      • High quality STR profiles were obtained from 88 to 91% of buccal collector punches.

      Abstract

      The goal of this project was to develop a “normalized” extraction procedure to be used in conjunction with previously validated 3 μL fast PCR reactions (42–51 min utilizing KAPA2G™ Fast Multiplex PCR Kit) and alternative capillary electrophoresis (24–28 min injection using POP-6™ Polymer and a 22 cm array). This was the final phase of a workflow overhaul for the database unit at Cellmark Forensics to achieve a substantial reduction in processing time for forensic DNA database samples without incurring significant added costs and/or the need for new instrumentation, while still generating high quality STR profiles. Extraction normalization aimed to consistently yield a small range of DNA concentrations, thereby eliminating the need for sample quantification and dilution. This was specifically achieved using the ChargeSwitch® Forensic DNA Purification Kit and a reduction in extraction bead quantity, thereby forcing an increase in bead binding efficiency. Following development of this extraction procedure, an evaluation ensued to assess the combination of normalized extraction, 3 μL fast PCR (with PowerPlex 16 HS, Identifiler Plus and Identifiler primer sets), and alternative CE detection – further referred to as new “first pass” procedures. These modifications resulted in a 37% reduction in processing time and were evaluated via an in depth validation, from which nearly 2000 STR profiles were generated, of which 554 profiles from 77 swab donors and 210 profiles from 35 buccal collector donors specifically arose from the new first pass procedures. This validation demonstrates the robustness of these processes for buccal swabs and Buccal DNA Collectors™ using the three primer sets evaluated and their ability to generate high quality STR profiles with 95–99% and 88–91% pass rates, respectively.

      Keywords

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