Improving Results from Touch DNA Evidence with Optimized Direct Polymerase Chain Reaction Methods, 2020-2022 (ICPSR 39811)

Principal Investigator(s):
Jonathan M. Davoren, Bode Technology; Abigail S. Bathrick, Bode Technology; Anna C. Salmonsen, Bode Technology

This is an external resource to which ICPSR links as a courtesy. These data are not available from ICPSR. Users should consult the data owners (via Improving Results from Touch DNA Evidence with Optimized Direct Polymerase Chain Reaction Methods, 2020-2022) directly for details on obtaining these resources.

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Summary

Direct polymerase chain reaction (PCR) is a DNA processing method in which a sample is added directly to an amplification reaction without prior purification or quantification and has been identified as a method that may improve genotyping data obtained from low-yield touch DNA samples. The goal of the project was to generate data in support of a re-evaluation of the Federal Bureau of Investigation's (FBI) Quality Assurance Standard (QAS) 9.4 and the 2018 Forensic Science Technology Working Group (TWG) operational requirements.

The project was performed in two phases. Phase I examined the direct PCR-compatible collection methods in conjunction with mock touch DNA evidence samples on a variety of substrates. Phase II examined direct PCR of touch DNA samples that were stored at room temperature for up to six months after collection and samples that were re-sampled after initial processing. Direct PCR was performed using GlobalFiler and PowerPlex Fusion 6C amplification methods that were already validated for standard casework processing.

Phase I and Phase II datasets are provided as .xslx and .csv files.

Funding

United States Department of Justice. Office of Justice Programs. National Institute of Justice (2019-DU-BX-0009)

Subject Terms

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Study Purpose

The goal of this study was to generate data in support of a reevaluation of QAS 9.4 and TWG operational requirements by evaluating the following: (1) direct PCR-compatible collection methods in conjunction with touch samples on a variety of substrates, (2) direct PCR results from the GlobalFiler and PowerPlex Fusion 6C STR amplification systems, (3) the efficacy of direct PCR when processing swabs that were stored after sample collection, and (4) the efficacy of direct PCR on samples that were re-swabbed after initial analysis was completed.

Study Design

Additional information about the study design is available in the technical report: https://www.ojp.gov/pdffiles1/nij/grants/305869.pdf

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