The distinctive aspect of the method tested is taking a larger initial cutting from the evidence compared to traditional serology or other Y-screen methods and then extracting the cells from the sample with Phosphate Buffered Saline (PBS). This extraction lysate is referred to as the LCS or liquid cellular slurry. A set amount of the LCS is further extracted by using DTT-based extraction buffer on the Qiagen QIAsymphony that will lyse all cells present in the LCS. Quantitative PCR with simultaneous male and human DNA quantitation setup is then performed on the extracted LCS. Analysis or screening of samples based on the presence or absence of male DNA can then occur. If necessary, a differential separation and extraction can be performed on the LCS. The LCS should be a homogenous sampling prior to screening, which should create an accurate representation of the DNA on the evidence. This project compared and evaluated laboratory efficiency of the LCS method, This is the newly released SWGDAM recommended method and conventional serology. The study concluded that performing a Y-screen using the Qiagen QIAsymphony provides more accurate sampling, increased correlation to DNA STR results, and a streamlined workflow, which increases the laboratory's efficiency. Being able to amplify directly from the Y-screen tray saves time and resources. 3 tables
Evaluating the Efficiency of the Use of the Qiagen QIAsymphony with High Throughput Y-screening as an Alternative to Conventional Serology
NCJ Number
253073
Date Published
April 2018
Length
12 pages
Annotation
This is the Final Summary Overview of the findings, methodology, and criminal justice implications of a research project whose goal was to develop and evaluate an accurate high throughput screening method for the presence of male DNA (otherwise known as Y-screen) as an option for reducing forensic DNA laboratory backlogs of untested sexual assault kits (SAKs).
Abstract