Forensic Kit Provides Information from Complicated DNA Evidence

A DNA quantification kit has been developed to enable forensic laboratories obtain more predictive and comprehensive information from complicated DNA evidence early in the testing process. The new forensic testing kit will help to improve results from sexual assault cases and other challenging samples that previously yielded limited or no results.

Called the Quantifiler Duo kit, it amplifies, detects, and quantifies the DNA contained in a sample on an Applied Biosystems (Foster City, CA, USA) real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR) system. It simultaneously provides a quantitative and qualitative assessment of total human and human male DNA, and more accurately estimates the quantity of DNA in degraded samples. This information guides selection of the optimal DNA profiling chemistry by recommending a specialized mini-short tandem repeat (STR) in conjunction with a standard STR kit for compromised samples, or a male-specific DNA kit for a low ratio of male DNA mixed in female DNA.

Applied Biosystems develops and markets instrument-based systems, consumables, software, and services. These tools are used to analyze nucleic acids (DNA and RNA), small molecules, and proteins. The company's products also serve applied markets, such as the fields of human identity testing (forensic and paternity testing), biosecurity, and quality and safety testing, such as testing required for food and pharmaceutical manufacturing.


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