New generation of forensic DNA kits to provide faster DNA results

Oct 14 2009

Applied Biosystems, part of Life Technologies Corporation (NASDAQ:LIFE), today announced a new generation of forensic DNA kits with chemistry reagents designed to address the increasing challenges facing 21^st century forensic laboratories. The new AmpFℓSTR^® Identifiler^® Direct, Identifiler^® Plus and NGM^™ PCR Amplification Kits provide a new level of performance, efficiency and data quality, enabling faster recovery of more DNA results from a wider range of samples. These kits are the latest additions to the Applied Biosystems leading-edge portfolio of validated human identification workflow solutions, including genetic analyzers, reagent kits, PCR and Real-Time PCR systems and software applications.

Today's forensic DNA laboratories are expected to provide efficient, high-quality results from samples that are increasing in quantity and complexity. Much of the increased demand is driven by the creation or expansion of forensic DNA databases worldwide. Recently, the National DNA Index System (NDIS) in the United States exceeded seven million offender DNA profiles and continues to expand rapidly.

Applied Biosystems is introducing the world's first commercially-available kit designed to enable direct amplification of database samples to assist forensic laboratories address the challenge associated with analyzing a rapidly increasing quantity of samples. The Identifiler^® Direct Kit eliminates the entire step of DNA extraction and purification for single source samples on standard FTA^® cards, dramatically simplifying the processing workflow and automation requirements as well as accelerating testing by as much as 30 percent.

The submission of more complex casework samples from law enforcement agencies is also increasing substantially as DNA evidence is more routinely used in investigations of a wider range of criminal activity, including property crimes. As a result, many forensic laboratories now have to process more samples that contain low levels of DNA, have multiple contributors, are degraded and/or contain substances that inhibit PCR reactions.

To address this challenge, Applied Biosystems has developed the Identifiler^® Plus Kit, which applies next-generation PCR amplification technology to provide enhanced sensitivity, improved performance on mixtures and the ability to overcome high levels of PCR inhibitors. This will help enable forensic analysts to recover more interpretable results from a wider range of DNA evidence samples.

In European Union countries, forensic DNA laboratories face these same challenges, but are also striving to implement routine cross-border data exchange. To meet this need, Applied Biosystems has developed the NGM^™ Kit (or “Next Generation Multiplex”), which includes the five new genetic markers recommended by the European Network of Forensic Science Institutes (ENFSI) and the European DNA Profiling Group (EDNAP) to provide powerful discrimination and support European cross-border data sharing initiatives. This new kit also provides the highest level of data quality and robustness for improved recovery of results from challenging samples.