A panel of PCR-inhibitory reference materials for quality evaluation of multiplex STR analysis kits. (December 2015)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Sanga, Malin; Boiso, Lina; Lindsten, Harwati; Rådström, Peter; Ansell, Ricky; Hedman, Johannes
• Is Part Of: Forensic science international. Volume 5(2015)
• Page Start: e317
• Page End: e319
• Publication Date: 2015-12
• Subjects: PCR inhibition -- Fulvic acid -- Humic acid -- Soil -- Validation; Forensic genetics -- Periodicals; Forensic Genetics -- Periodicals; Electronic journals; 614.1
• DOI: 10.1016/j.fsigss.2015.09.126
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1875-1768

Abstract

Abstract: PCR inhibition is a critical parameter in forensic DNA analysis. Substances interfering with amplification of short tandem repeats (STRs) may generate partial and/or ambiguous DNA profiles. We present a strategy for developing a broad panel of PCR-inhibitory reference materials (RMs), representing common casework samples. Our panel, including solutions prepared from for example cigarettes, chewing gum and soil, is a tool for in-house validation and lot testing of STR systems. PowerPlex ESX 16 Fast System tolerated high levels of some RMs, but several substances caused amplification problems. Humic acid had a negative effect on amelogenin, moist snuff hindered amplification of longer fragments, and chewing gum caused generally lowered allele peak heights. Applying a broad panel of RMs ensures that a wide range of inhibitory substances are tested, giving an improved understanding of inhibitor tolerance and effects.