Sensitivity Comparison of an Organic Based DNA Extraction Method to a Silica Based DNA Extraction System Utilizing Carrier RNA and Effects of a Post-PCR Purification Process

Nguyen, Chau D., Sensitivity Comparison of an Organic Based DNA Extraction Method to a Silica Based DNA Extraction System Utilizing Carrier RNA and Effects of a Post-PCR Purification Process. Master of Science (Forensic Genetics), December 2008, 2008, 84 pp., 24 tables, 9 figures, References, 33 titles. Organic extraction from forensic samples has consistently produced high DNA yields. However, organic extraction is time-consuming and contains many steps where sample manipulation can occur. In this study, sensitivity of organic extraction method is compared to QIAamp DNA Investigator Kit, a silica based extraction utilizing carrier RNA. The results suggested that the QIAamp DNA Investigator Kit is just as sensitive as organic extraction method in obtaining partial and full DNA profiles. The QIAamp DNA Investigator Kit is less time-consuming than organic extraction and can be automated on the QIAcube. The study also studied the reliability of a post-PCR purification kit in obtaining a better DNA profile. The Qiagen MinElute PCR Purification Kit increased the number of loci detected in 65% of samples tested.