Browsing by Subject "optimization"
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Item Construction of a Cost Effective Nested-PCR Reaction for Use with the Applied Biosystems AmpFLSTR Identifiler Kit(2005-12-01) Mikeska, Margo M.; John Planz; Joseph Warren; Arthur EisenbergHuman STR analysis has greatly increased the ability to perform identity testing for many different situations. These situations include, but are not limited to, the identification of individuals involved in violent crimes, establishing paternity, and identification of unknown human remains. The most common type of DNA information currently used for identity testing is the short tandem repeat, or STR. STR testing utilizes the number of repeating units in the DNA to assign an allele. Alleles from several different loci are used to establish a genetic profile. Currently, the United States used a standard of 13 different DNA loci to establish identity. These 13 loci can be typed by using a number of different multiplex kits such as the Applied Biosystems Profiler Plus, Cofiler, and Identifiler Kits [1,2]. The 13 loci were selected based on a number of parameters. Each locus was required to be polymorphyic, and a tetranucleotide repeat. The loci also could not display any linkage between each other and extensive population studies had to be conducted to both verify the absence of linkage and to establish allelic frequencies [1]. The goal of this research was the construction of a more cost effective method of utilizing the Applied Biosystems Identifiler Kit. Across the country there is a large backlog of samples that need to be processed in order to obtain a genetic profile. If these samples could be tested using a more cost effective method, more funding could be directed to other endeavors. Paternity testing, as well as some research endeavors could be conducted at a fraction of the cost, leaving resources for other projects or additional staff. Although it would be inadvisable to use this technique on forensic samples, the implications on paternity and research samples would be positive. This research attempted to design a nested PCR reaction and subsequently dilute the Applied Biosystems Primers in order to reduce the cost. The first step was to design new primers for the first round of PCR, followed by testing of those primers. The new primers then required optimization so that they all worked effectively together. After optimization was accomplished, the Identifiler primers were diluted until loci began dropping out of the genetic profile.Item Validation and Optimization of Automated Instrumentation for Mitochondrial DNA Database Sample Processing(2004-06-01) Crispin, Shelley Jeanine; John Planz; Arthur Eisenberg; Joseph WarrenCrispin, Shelley Jeanine. Validation and Optimization of Automated Instrumentation for Mitochondrial DNA Database Sample Processing. Master of Science (Forensic Genetics), August 2004, 43 pages, 8 figures, 8 tables, 26 references. The validation of Qiagen 9604 BioRobot for DNA extraction and two Corbett CAS-1200 Liquid Precision Handling Systems for mitochondrial DNA database sample processing will alleviate sample backlogs and increase sample throughput. A manual cross-contamination study and an automated cross-contamination study showed that the use of automated instrumentation allowed for quicker and more accurate sample processing. The validation process was completed by processing a 96-well high throughput plate containing AFDIL employee samples. AFDIL loses approximately 10% of samples cycle sequenced using quarter volume BigDye terminator cycle reactions. To validate the use of half volume BigDye terminator cycled sequencing a 96-well high throughput plate containing AFDIL employee samples was used to compare the percentage of samples lost. On average 1.6% of the samples were lost per 96-well high throughput plate utilizing half volume BigDye terminator cycle sequencing reactions. This study has shown that the validation of half volume BigDye terminator cycle sequencing reactions will minimize the number of samples that will have to be reprocessed per 96-well high throughput plate.