Comparative performance of AmpFLSTR (R) Identifier (R) Plus PCR amplification kit and QIAGEN (R) Investigator (R) IDplex Plus kit

作者：Mattayat Dalad; Kitpipit Thitika; Phetpeng Sukanya; Asawutmangkul Watee; Thanakiatkrai Phuvadol^*

来源：Science & Justice, 2016, 56(6): 468-474.

DOI：10.1016/j.scijus.2016.06.008

• AmpFLSTR (R) Identifiler (R) Plus
• IDplex Plus
• STR typing kit
• Short tandem repeat
• Comparative performance

Many forensic STR kits are currently available in the market. The AmpFLSTR (R) Identifier (R) Plus kit, which targets 15 STRs, is commonly used worldwide. The Thai forensic DNA community is built around it in terms of instrument, databases, and interpretation. QIAGEN's IDplex Plus kit targets the same loci, but the PCR cycling time is shorter by about 90 min. A direct comparison that assesses forensic parameters and applicability to casework between the two kits has never been carried out In this study, we performed a direct comparison between the two kits using serial dilutions of two control DNA samples and 60 randomly selected casework samples, including samples taken from improvised explosive devices and terrorist raids. We statistically compared the performance of the two kits in terms of peak height, number of allele detected (allelic drop-out), intra-locus balance, inter locus balance, inhibitor tolerance, stutter ratio, concordance, and allelic drop-in. The results demonstrate that both kits are statistically similar in performance. IDplex Plus gave higher peak heights in sensitivity test and tolerated inhibitors better, but had slightly worse inter-locus balances and stutter ratios. However, these differences were not practically significant, as seen by the resulting profiles of the casework samples (p = 0.601). The performance on low-template samples also was not different. In conclusion, laboratories looking to replace the aging Identifiler (R) Plus might consider the IDplex Plus as a faster, more robust alternative that fits right into their existing structure without further investment in instrument and DNA database. Having more kits available worldwide by different companies could help bring the technology to different forensic laboratories and the justice system as a whole.

• 出版日期2016-12