Developmental validation of the ParaDNA® Intelligence System—A novel approach to DNA profiling. (July 2015)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Blackman, Stephen; Dawnay, Nick; Ball, Glyn; Stafford-Allen, Beccy; Tribble, Nicholas; Rendell, Paul; Neary, Kelsey; Hanson, Erin K.; Ballantyne, Jack; Kallifatidis, Beatrice; Mendel, Julian; Mills, DeEtta K.; Wells, Simon
• Is Part Of: Forensic science international. Volume 17(2015:Jul.)
• Page Start: 137
• Page End: 148
• Publication Date: 2015-07
• Subjects: ParaDNA -- Direct PCR -- Rapid DNA -- STR analysis -- Triage -- Crime scene; Forensic genetics -- Periodicals; Génétique légale -- Périodiques; Forensic genetics; Electronic journals; Periodicals; 614.1
• DOI: 10.1016/j.fsigen.2015.04.009
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1872-4973

Abstract

Highlights: ParaDNA Intelligence Testest is a rapid, easy to use, field deployable 5 STR system. The developmental validation, including independent assessments, is presented. Useful profiles from a wide range of fresh and compromised samples were obtained. The benefit of use of the system in law enforcement is discussed. Abstract: DNA profiling through the analysis of STRs remains one of the most widely used tools in human identification across the world. Current laboratory STR analysis is slow, costly and requires expert users and interpretation which can lead to instances of delayed investigations or non-testing of evidence on budget grounds. The ParaDNA ® Intelligence System has been designed to provide a simple, fast and robust way to profile DNA samples in a lab or field-deployable manner. The system analyses 5-STRs plus amelogenin to deliver a DNA profile that enables users to gain rapid investigative leads and intelligent prioritisation of samples in human identity testing applications. Utilising an innovative sample collector, minimal training is required to enable both DNA analysts and nonspecialist personnel to analyse biological samples directly, without prior processing, in approximately 75 min. The test uses direct PCR with fluorescent HyBeacon ® detection of STR allele lengths to provide a DNA profile. The developmental validation study described here followed the Scientific Working Group on DNA Analysis Methods (SWGDAM) guidelines and tested the sensitivity, reproducibility, accuracy, inhibitor tolerance, and performance of the ParaDNA Intelligence System on a range of mock evidence items. The data collected demonstrate that the ParaDNA Intelligence System displays useful DNA profiles when sampling a variety of evidence items including blood, saliva, semen and touch DNA items indicating the potential to benefit a number of applications in fields such as forensic, military and disaster victim identification (DVI).