DNA Test Systems
GeneQuest Diagnostics is on the cutting-edge of new and emerging forensic testing technologies including the most advanced and sensitive STR and SNP systems. We conduct independent casefile analysis and review on the most reliable systems available and provide for testing at accredited and validated laboratories which meet our standards. Our extensive experience in the field of forensic and medical genomics allows us to develop bespoken testing strategies for even the most challenging samples. Our current analytical review and testing technologies include:
Extraction
ChargeSwitch®
ChargeSwitch® forensic DNA purification kits allows for the rapid isolation of genomic DNA from a wide variety of samples useful for both STR, mtDNA and SNP applications involving dried stains, touch DNA and intimate samples.Read More →
Prepfiler®
Prepfiler® is designed to extract and purify genomic DNA most commonly encountered in forensic sample types, including body fluid stains and swabs of body fluids,Read More →
through the binding of nucleic acid molecules to structured magnetic particles, and subsequent elution to deliver enhanced quality and quantity of DNA particularly useful for STR typing.
To learn more about the Prepfiler® System please visit LifeTechnologies.com.
DNA IQ™
DNA IQ™ is a complete DNA isolation system for the forensic and paternity community which employs the use of magnetic particles to efficiently extract and prepare ultra clean DNA for STR analysis free inhibitors which often affect the typing process.Read More →
The DNA IQ™ System can be used to extract DNA from stains or liquid samples such as blood or resulting DNA solutions. The DNA IQ™ System has been tested with the Plexor® HY System and PowerPlex® Systems to ensure a streamlined process.
To learn more about the DNA IQ™ System please visit
Promega.com.
QIAamp DNA Investigator®
The QIAamp DNA Investigator Kit provides purification of genomic DNA from a wide range of forensic and human identity samples, such as casework samples, including dried blood, bone, and sexual assault samples, swabs, and filters.Read More →
The kit uses QIAamp MinElute spin columns for purification of high-quality DNA with flexible elution volumes.
To learn more about the QIAamp DNA Investigator® System please visit Qiagen.com.
Quantification
Plexor®HY
The Plexor® HY System is a real-time PCR assay to determine the concentration of total human DNA and male human DNA simultaneously in one reaction. Read More →
The kit contains an internal PCR control (IPC) to test for false-negative results that may occur in the presence of PCR inhibitors and a melt curve function to confirm that the correct product was amplified.
Plexor® HY is a sensitive multiplex kit that routinely detects approximately 6.4pg of total DNA.
To learn more about the Plexor® HY System please visit
Promega.com.
Quantifiler® HP
The Quantifiler® HP (Human Plus) allows for simultaneous quantitative and qualitative assessment of total human DNA with a sensitivity of 50 ng/uL, enabling the use of a broad range of concentrations, with flexible protocols for higher concentration samples. Read More →
The Quantifiler® HP system is suitable for a wide variety of samples including buccal swabs, blood, semen, tissue, and other human DNA sources. The kits enhanced inhibition detects the presence of PCR inhibitors (suggesting additional purification of extract and/or whether a mini STR kit like the MiniFiler™, NGM SElect™, or GlobalFiler™ kit may be necessary).
To learn more about the Quantifiler® HP System please visit
LifeTechnologies.com.Quantifiler® Duo
The Quantifiler® Duo DNA Quantification Kit enables forensic laboratories to simultaneously obtain a quantitative and qualitative assessment of total human and human male DNA in a single, highly sensitive real-time PCR reaction. Read More →
Thus, guiding selection of the optimal STR chemistry (autosomal, Y-STR or miniSTR). The Quantifiler® Duo determines the ratio of human male to female DNA, even with minute male and excess female DNA (1:1000 or greater).
To learn more about the Quantifiler® Duo System please visit
LifeTechnologies.com.
Quantifiler® Trio
The Quantifiler® Trio DNA Quantification Kit is a robust kit allows for the simultaneous quantitative and qualitative assessment of total human and human male DNA in a single, highly sensitive real-time PCR reaction, and is useful in determining the ratio of human male to female DNA, even with minute male and excess female DNA (1:4000 or greater). Read More →
The Quantifiler® Trio kit uses multiple-copy target loci for improved detection sensitivity. There are three human-specific target loci: Small Autosomal, Large Autosomal, and a Y-chromosome target. Each consists of multiple copies dispersed on various autosomal chromosomes with a limit of detection of < 1 pg/ul.
To learn more about the Quantifiler® Trio System please visit
LifeTechnologies.com.
Quantifiler® Y Human Male DNA
The Quantifiler® Y Human Male DNA quantification kit quantifies the amount of amplifiable human male DNA that is present in a sample, and may be used to quantify male DNA from a wide variety of sources including buccal swabs, blood, semen, and tissue from 0.023 ng⁄ml to > 50 ng⁄ml.Read More →
The Quantifiler® Y kit facilitates the detection of male DNA from samples with male⁄female mixtures with a DNA ratio greater than 1:1000 male⁄female.
To learn more about the Quantifiler® Y Human Male DNA System please visit
LifeTechnologies.com.
Amplification
AmpFlSTR® NGM SElect™ Express System – Databasing
The NGM SElect™ system is a multiplex assay designed to allow direct amplification of single-source samples at 16 autosomal STR loci (D10S1248, vWA, D16S539, D2S1338, D8S1179, D21S11, D18S51, D22S1045, D19S433, THO1, FGA, D2S441, D3S1358, D1S1656, D12S391 and SE33), as well as the sex-determining marker, Amelogenin in a single reaction.Read More →
The NGM SElect™ system satisfies the twin requirements stipulated by the European Network of Forensic Science Institutes (ENFSI) and European DNA Profiling Group (EDNAP).
To learn more about the AmpFlSTR® NGM SElect™ Express System please visit
LifeTechnologies.com.
PowerPlex® Fusion System
The PowerPlex® Fusion System provides all of the materials needed for co-amplification and five-color fluorescent detection of 24 loci (23 STR loci and Amelogenin), including the CODIS core loci and the European Standard Set (ESS) loci.Read More →
With 24 loci, the system offers the most STR loci and highest discrimination from a single reaction delivering more information in demanding forensic, paternity and relationship testing cases. Utilizing proven STR chemistries on existing instrument platforms and software. The Fusion System provides four-color detection at all CODIS and ESS loci including D3S1358, D1S1656, D2S441, D10S1248, D13S317, D16S539, D18S51, D2S1338, CSF1PO, TH01, vWA, D21S11, D7S820, D5S818, TPOX, D8S1179, D12S391, D19S433, FGA, D22S1045, plus Penta E, Penta D, DYS391 and Amelogenin.
To learn more about the PowerPlex® Fusion System please visit
Promega.com.
GlobalFiler™ Express System – Databasing
The GlobalFiler™ Express system is a 6-dye multiplex 24 loci assay optimized to allow for direct amplification from single-source samples including blood and buccal on treated paper substrates without the need for sample purification.Read More →
GlobalFiler™ amplifies 21 autosomal STR loci (D3S1358, vWA, D16S539, CSF1PO, TPOX, D8S1179, D21S11, D18S51, D2S441, D19S433, THO1, FGA, D22S1045, D5S818, D13S317, D7S820, SE33, D10S1248, D1S1656, D12S391, D2S1338, and the sex-determining marker, Amelogenin, 1 Y-STR locus [DYS391], and 1 Y-insertion/deletion [Y indel] locus in a single PCR reaction.
To learn more about the GlobalFiler™ Express PCR Amplification System please visit
LifeTechnologies.com.
MiniFiler™ System
The AmpFLSTR® MiniFiler™ PCR Amplification Kit increases your ability to obtain DNA results from compromised samples that previously would have yielded limited or no genetic data. Read More →
The system is designed to provide enhanced amplification at eight autosomal STR loci (D13S317, D7S820, D2S1338, D21S11, D16S539, D18S51, CSF1PO and FGA), as well as Amelogenin in a single multiplex reaction. The loci span a range between 70 to 283 nucleotides with the aid of non-nucleotide linkers to achieve appropriate spacing between loci.
To learn more about the Minifiler™ PCR Amplification System please visit
LifeTechnologies.com.
PowerPlex® Fusion 6C
The PowerPlex® Fusion 6C System provides all of the materials needed for co-amplification and fluorescent detection of 27 loci, including the CODIS core loci and European Standard Set (ESS) loci, and Amelogenin and DYS391 for gender determination. Read More →
The Penta D, Penta E, TPOX, D22S1045 and SE33 loci are also included. Finally, two rapidly mutating Y-STR loci, DYS570 and DYS576, are included in the multiplex.
GlobalFiler™
The GlobalFiler PCR Amplification Kit is the first 6-dye, 24-locus STR kit that combines maximum compatibility with global databasing loci standards, with dramatically reduced amplification time and superior discrimination power, helping to enable forensic DNA labs worldwide to maximize information recovery and improve overall efficiency.
Investigator 24plexQS
The Investigator 24plex QS Kits are multiplex STR applications for human identification. These new kits cover all recommended Combined DNA Index System expansion markers (CODIS core loci, ESS markers, DYS391, and Amelogenin). Read More →
The addition of the unique Quality Sensor (QS), provides you with valuable additional data from quality control and performance checks, such as: amplification success or failure, and DNA degradation or inhibition.
Y STR Systems
AmpFlSTR® Yfiler® PCR Amplification System
The Yfiler system allows for the amplification of complex male:female DNA mixtures (at ratios of up to 1:2000) through a multiplex assay systems which amplifies 17 Y-STR loci in a single reaction includingRead More →
the European Minimal Haplotype (DYS19, DYS385a/b, DYS389I/II, DYS390, DYS391, DYS392, DYS393), SWGDAM recommended Y-STR panel (European Minimal Haplotype plus DYS438 and DYS439), as well as additional highly polymorphic loci (DYS437, DYS448, DYS456, DYS458, DYS635 [Y GATA C4] and Y GATA H4).
To learn more about the AmpFlSTR® Yfiler® PCR Amplification System please visit
LifeTechnologies.com.
PowerPlex® Y23 System
The PowerPlex® Y23 System is a 23-loci, 5-color Y-STR multiplex designed for genotyping forensic casework samples, database samples and paternity samples, Read More →
and provides for co-amplification and four-color detection at the male-specific loci DYS576, DYS389I/II, DYS448, DYS19, DYS391, DYS481, DYS549, DYS533, DYS438, DYS437, DYS570, DYS635, DYS390, DYS439, DYS392, DYS643, DYS393, DYS458, DYS385 a/b, DYS456 and Y GATA-H4. The system offers more useable profile from samples with excess female DNA offering high sensitivity in the presence of female DNA (< 0.1 ng male DNA, 1:6000 ratio).
To learn more about the PowerPlex® Y23 System please visit
Promega.com.
MITROCHONDRIAL DNA (mtDNA) SYSTEMS
mtDNAtest® HUMAN KIT
mtDNAtest®-human kit allows for personal identification of humans and human remains, even when using highly degraded biological materials. Read More →
Mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) is replicated inside of the mitochondrion as circular molecule of length of 16569 base pairs (Revised Cambridge Reference Sequence – rCRS, NCBI: J01415.2) and is inherited solely from the mother. Due to its high copy number (~1000 copies per cell), mtDNA is often examined in situations where the DNA is highly degraded or the sample is unlikely to have much nuclear DNA (ie. hair shafts or fingernails). mtDNA is most typically examined by Sanger sequencing of the two hypervariable regions or the entire control (non-coding) region. The mtDNA autonomously replicating genome includes both 37 genes (13 protein coding, 22 tRNA genes) as well as non-coding regions, and highly variable HVI and HVII sequencesSmall nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) on the mitochondrial D-loop hypervariable regions.
To learn more about the mtDNAtest® Human Kit please visit
BioTe21.com.
Targeted Next Generation (NextGen) Sequencing
MiSeq FGx Forensic Genomic System
The MiSeq FGx Forensic Genomic SystemTM system offers the ability to perform multiple tests on one system through the use of Illumina’s sequencing by synthesis (SBS) technology for massively parallel sequencing for multiple forensic systems. Read More →
The MiSeq FGx
TM DNA Signature Prep Kit includes greater than 200 forensic genetic markers provided in a single streamlined workflow. The FGx
TM DNA Signature Prep Kit provides coverage for the forensic autosomal markers currently in use around the world for casework, as well as criminal DNA databasing, and additionally includes both Y- and X-STRs and SNP markers not routinely used with CE-based systems. The system includes a dense set of informative identity SNPs (iiSNPs) – informative for source attribution particularly with degraded, mixed or PCR-inhibited samples, as well as phenotypic informative SNPs (piSNPs) – providing estimates of eye color, hair color and biogeographical ancestry informative SNPs (aiSNPs).
| Forensic Loci Included in the FGxTM DNA Signature Prep Kit |
| FEATURE |
NUMBER OF MARKERS |
AMPLICON SIZE RANGE (bp) |
| Global Autosomal STRs |
27 |
61-467 |
| Y-STRs |
24 |
119-390 |
| X-STRs |
7 |
157-462 |
| iiSNPs |
95 |
63-231 |
| piSNPs |
22 |
73-227 |
| aiSNPs |
56 |
67-200 |
To learn more about Illumina’s MiSeQ NextGen system please visit Illumina.com.
