Validation of the Microreader™ 23sp ID system: A new STR 23-plex system for forensic application

Area of Science:

• Forensic Genetics
• Molecular Biology
• Human Identification

Background:

• Short tandem repeat (STR) genotyping is crucial for human identification.
• Existing systems may not cover a sufficient number of loci for robust identification.
• The development of multiplex STR systems enhances efficiency and data quality.

Purpose of the Study:

• To validate the Microreader™ 23sp ID system, a novel 23-plex STR genotyping assay.
• To assess the system's performance for forensic identification and parentage testing applications.

Main Methods:

• Amplification of 21 non-CODIS STR loci, 1 CODIS STR locus (D16S539), and the amelogenin locus in a single reaction.
• Validation according to Scientific Working Group on DNA Analysis Methods (SWGDAM) guidelines.
• Comprehensive evaluation including sensitivity, precision, accuracy, stutter analysis, inhibitor tolerance, species specificity, and mixture studies.

Main Results:

• The Microreader™ 23sp ID system successfully amplified all targeted STR loci in one reaction.
• Validation studies demonstrated acceptable performance metrics for sensitivity, precision, accuracy, and peak characteristics.
• The system showed robustness against common PCR inhibitors and specificity for human DNA.

Conclusions:

• The Microreader™ 23sp ID system is a reliable and efficient tool for forensic DNA analysis.
• It provides a comprehensive set of STR loci suitable for challenging identification and parentage testing cases.
• The system meets the requirements for use in forensic and paternity testing laboratories.