Validation of the Microreader™ 29Y Prime ID system for forensic use.

Area of Science:

• Forensic genetics
• Molecular biology
• Human genetics

Background:

• Y-short tandem repeat loci (Y-STRs) are crucial in forensic science due to their male-specific and paternal inheritance patterns.
• Applications include sexual assault investigations, paternity determination, and male lineage studies.
• The Microreader™ 29Y Prime ID system offers comprehensive Y-STR genotyping.

Purpose of the Study:

• To validate the Microreader™ 29Y Prime ID system for forensic use.
• To assess its performance according to established guidelines.
• To confirm its utility in Y-STR genotyping.

Main Methods:

• Validation followed "Validation Guidelines for DNA Analysis Methods (2016)" by SWGDAM.
• The system amplifies 29 Y-STR loci, including commercial, European minimal haplotype, and SWGDAM-recommended loci.
• Evaluations included PCR-based analysis, sensitivity, precision, accuracy, stutter, peak height ratios, inhibitors, species specificity, and DNA mixture studies.

Main Results:

• The Microreader™ 29Y Prime ID system successfully amplified 29 Y-STR loci.
• Validation studies met the criteria outlined by SWGDAM guidelines.
• The system demonstrated reliable performance across various forensic parameters.

Conclusions:

• The Microreader™ 29Y Prime ID system is a robust and reliable tool for Y-STR genotyping.
• Its comprehensive locus coverage and validated performance make it suitable for forensic casework.
• The system supports critical forensic investigations requiring male lineage information.