Evaluation of three new forensic DNA profiling kits on PCR-inhibitory crime scene samples

Abstract

In 2009–2010, several forensic DNA profiling kits customised for Europe and the Prüm Treaty were commercially released. The manufacturers have made efforts to increase the PCR inhibitor tolerance compared to previous kits, as shown by their increased resistance to known molecular inhibitors such as humic acid and haematin. We have evaluated three new 15 STR-marker profiling kits (Amp FlSTR NGM, PowerPlex ESI16 and PowerPlex ESX16) on various PCR-inhibitory crime scene samples. All three kits produced usable DNA profiles from most samples. However, the kits were affected by inhibitory compounds from some of the samples, resulting in partial DNA profiles.